RFA: California Takes Big Step toward E15 Approval with Release of Emissions Study

July 18, 2022

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(Renewable Fuels Association) The state of California took an important step toward approving the use of cleaner, lower-cost E15 today (July 15, 2022) by releasing the results of a multi-year study of the fuel’s emissions impacts. The results of the study, which tested 20 vehicles, show that shifting from E10 to E15 reduces emissions of most pollutants that contribute to ozone formation and, ultimately, “smog.” California is one of only two states across the country today that doesn’t currently allow the sale of E15.

“Ozone forming potential showed a decreasing trend for E15 compared to E10, indicating that the introduction of E15 in the California gasoline market will likely not contribute to increases in ozone formation,” according to the study released today. The report also shows E15 significantly reduces emissions of particulate matter, which is another key ingredient in “smog.” The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California-Riverside, was supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, California Air Resources Board (CARB), U.S. Council for Automotive Research, National Corn Growers Association, and Growth Energy.

“The results of this study clearly demonstrate that E15 cuts emissions of the nasty tailpipe pollutants that contribute to dirty air and cause respiratory illnesses and other serious health concerns,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “In addition to reducing the potential for smog, E15 also cuts greenhouse gas emissions, displaces petroleum, lowers consumer pump prices, and supports renewable energy jobs in California and across the country. The benefits of E15 to the Golden State are compelling and obvious, and we encourage CARB and the Environmental Policy Council to move swiftly to approve the fuel. Now more than ever, California consumers want and need the option to choose lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 at the pump.”

Among the study’s key conclusions:

Particulate matter (i.e., the “soot” or particles that contribute to smog) showed “strong, statistically significant” reductions of 16-54% for E15 compared to E10 across the fleet of 20 vehicles. Solid particle number emissions were 12% lower for E15 than E10, at a statistically significant level.
Total hydrocarbon (i.e., unburned hydrocarbons that contribute to ozone) emissions showed statistically significant reductions of 5-6% for E15 compared to E10. For non-methane hydrocarbon emissions, E15 showed a 7-15% reduction compared to E10.
Carbon monoxide emissions showed statistically significant reductions of 12-27% for E15 compared to E10.
Carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions showed a reduction for E15 compared to E10.
Fuel economy showed a reduction of just 1% for E15 compared to E10 across the fleet of 20 vehicles.

CARB noted today that its comprehensive review of the impacts of E15 is “currently in its third year and staff expects the…process would likely take at least another full year to complete.” Once the full review is complete, CARB and other agencies will make a recommendation to the state’s Environmental Policy Council, followed by the adoption of regulatory amendments allowing E15 use in California.

For a primer on E15’s impacts on ozone, click here. READ MORE

Ethanol Blog: California Takes Step Toward E15 Approval in Emissions Study (DTN Progressive Farmer)

CARB releases E15 emissions study (Ethanol Producer Magazine)

Comparison of Exhaust Emissions Between E10 CaRFG and Splash Blended E15 (California Air Resources Board)

Comparison of Exhaust Emissions Between E10 CaRFG and Splash Blended E15

E15_FINAL_REPORT_7-14-22_0.PDF · 20.848 MB

CARB FAQ: E15 Evaluation Status - Multimedia Evaluation of E15

E15_FAQ_7-14-22.PDF · 146 KB

Excerpt from DTN Progressive Farmer: Beginning in 2018 the state launched a review along with ethanol industry officials, to explore myriad of issues related to making the switch from E10 to E15 in California. That includes emissions of air pollutants, surface water contamination, ground water effects and soil, along with the disposal of ethanol byproducts and waste materials.

California is one of just two states the doesn't allow E15 sales including New York. Ethanol has become a big part of California's low-carbon fuel standard in recent years, primarily through the use of E85.

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Back in April, the governors of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin asked EPA to begin a rulemaking that would place E10 and E15 on equal regulatory footing in the summer months. The governor of Ohio then later made the same request.

The Biden administration recently announced a waiver to allow year-round E15 sales for 2022. READ MORE

Excerpt from Ethanol Producer Magazine: The Multimedia Evaluation (MME) of E15 initiated by CARB aims to understand any potential environmental or public health impacts from the use of E15 in California. California law generally requires that an MME be completed prior to adopting new motor vehicle fuel specifications.

As part of the MME for E15, CARB contracted with the University of California at Riverside Bourns College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research and Technology to evaluate exhaust emissions from the use of California reformulated gasoline (CaFRG) that contains 15 percent ethanol.

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All vehicles used in the study were model year 2016 or newer and equipped with three-way catalysts (TWc). Measured emissions include oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), total hydrocarbons (THC), non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), PM mass, particulate number, 1,3-butadiene, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene isomers, ethanol, and carbonyl compounds.

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The agency estimates development process is expected to take at least another full year to complete. After that time, CARB would be able to formally release a proposed regulation change, after which the multimedia working group (MMWG) would make a recommendation to the Environmental Policy Council on whether the potential regulatory amendments to allow E15 use in California would have significant impacts on public health or the environment. If the EPC determines that the adoption of E15 would not significantly impact public health or the environment, CARB would then be able to consider the adoption of regulatory amendments to allow the use of E15.

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Growth Energy is also welcoming release of the study. “CARB’s report adds to the vast trove of public, private, and academic research illustrating the vital role that higher ethanol blends play in protecting our air, our climate, and our health,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “No other solution offers the same immediate benefits in the fight against particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and smog-forming pollutants linked to cancer, as well as neurological, cardiovascular, and reproductive damage. Drivers across the country are looking for better options at the pump, and E15 delivers the savings they need and the cleaner air they deserve. California has long been a leader on clean energy, but it has lagged behind most other states in expanding access to E15 fuel blends. Today’s report should serve as all the motivation CARB needs to accelerate biofuel adoption and fast-track progress on the state’s clean energy goals.”

Additional information is available on the CARB website. READ MORE