The California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved changes to E15 regulations under the state's Reformulated Gasoline Regulations (CaRFG) on 24 September.
The amendments aim to clarify how fuel producers and importers can legally sell E15 in the state and ensure that the fuel is produced in accordance with CaRFG requirements.
Under the updated regulations, CaRFG E10 specifications will also apply to E15, except for oxygen content. The oxygen content limit will be revised to up to 6pc by weight for E15.
Additionally, the amendments will allow downstream fuel blending to produce E15.
The amendments will not require the use of the fuel.
The changes come on the heels of bill SB 795, signed on 19 September by California governor Gavin Newsom (D), which removes regulatory barriers to E15.
E15 sales have been allowed in California since last year. However, the fuel is not currently being dispensed in the state because of regulatory obstacles.
The primary impediment was a state law requiring multi-agency approval before CARB could certify components for dispensing E15, specifically approval requirements involving the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
SB 795 requires the OSFM to adopt regulations by 31 December that align with federal rules for the labeling and safe use of 10-15pc ethanol blends.
The bill also allows fuel retailers to use existing equipment certified for 10pc ethanol blends (E10) to dispense E15 if the equipment manufacturer submits a statement of compatibility to the relevant state agencies.
The CaRFG amendments are the next step in the process of making E15 available in the state.
Dallas Gerber, director of state government affairs at biofuels trade association Growth Energy, praised the amendments as "a practical and common-sense step that gives California a clear path to E15 and aligns the state with federal regulations and the many states where E15 is already available". CARB's board has not yet released a final version of its decision.
