Insight Focus
Could year-round E15 finally be on the table for the US? California is taking the first steps to increase the proportion of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline. This could equate to cost savings for drivers and increased demand for corn producers.
Year-Round Ethanol on the Table
From the corn fields and small-town cafes of the Midwest to the exalted halls of the US Congress, agriculture discussions in many circles have centred on the topic of the nation-wide year-round availability of E15.
Could 2026 be the year that the gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol finally enters the mainstream?
The answer might begin in California where environmental regulators recently endorsed higher ethanol content in gasoline, clearing the way for the state to permanently allow E15 to lower fuel prices.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and other agencies published a study finding that allowing gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol would have little impact on air, water and soil quality when compared to the current widespread use of E10 fuel.
The report encouraged the California Environmental Policy Council, which will have final say over new state rules regulating E15, to declare that the new fuel blend does not pose a significant adverse impact on public health or the environment when compared to lower ethanol options.
California Leads the Way
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law earlier this year, AB 30, that allows fuel suppliers to sell gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol that is around 25 cents per gallon cheaper than traditional gas. CARB needs to adopt a regulation approving it or publish an assessment demonstrating why the use of the fuel is not feasible.
Source: EthanolRFA
Newsom and lawmakers attempted to lower the state’s persistently high gas prices and keep in-state refineries open. The report offers fuel suppliers more certainty that the agency will make E15 a permanent fuel option. CARB officials said at an October workshop that the agency plans to finish E15 regulations by early 2027. Regulators have been working at a snail’s pace.
Executive director of the Minnesota Biofuels Association Brian Werner told Brownfield News that renewable fuel and refiner stakeholders are meeting in Washington DC. “And they’re making progress on getting to an agreement on year-round E15.” Werner said nationwide E15 legislation could be attached to a skinny farm bill or a continuing resolution.
