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CARB, Finance and lawmakers discuss resources to evaluate and possibly authorize E15 gasoline blend
Summary
The committee considered CARB’s request for ongoing funding and positions to complete a multimedia evaluation and potentially adopt regulatory changes to permit up to 15% ethanol blends (E15) in California. Finance recommended limited‑term authorization; CARB said permanent regulatory staff are needed to meet the governor’s prioritization.
The subcommittee considered a CARB budget change proposal to secure ongoing funding and positions to complete the multimedia evaluation and potential rulemaking needed to authorize E15 (gasoline with up to 15% ethanol) in California.
Brandon Merritt of the Department of Finance summarized CARB’s request: $2.3 million ongoing from the Air Pollution Control Fund for 10 permanent positions to complete regulatory work and implement E15 if authorized. CARB told the committee the governor asked the agency to prioritize the E15 evaluation and that the work requires both multimedia analysis and subsequent regulatory, enforcement and Low Carbon Fuel Standard pathway adjustments.
LAO recommended a more cautious approach and suggested authorizing positions on a limited‑term (two‑year) basis because the workload and long‑term staffing needs remain uncertain while the multimedia evaluation proceeds. CARB responded that the agency could not realistically prioritize and complete a complex rulemaking quickly using only junior or temporary hires and emphasized the need for experienced regulatory staff to move rapidly.
Committee members split between supporting CARB’s request for permanent expertise and heeding LAO’s caution about ongoing workload uncertainty; several members signaled they were comfortable with permanent positions given the governor’s directive and the technical complexity of the evaluation. CARB estimated it could begin rulemaking following the evaluation and environmental review and aimed to bring regulatory proposals before the CARB board in mid‑2026 if resources were authorized.
No final action was taken; members asked staff to continue negotiations on duration and scope of staffing and to return with more detailed cost and timeline information.
