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California E15 authorization a “bright spot” for biofuels industry

The Executive Director with Renewable Fuels Nebraska says California’s new biofuel law could help expand market access for corn farmers.  

Dawn Caldwell says the authorization of E15 sales through 2029 is a win for the industry despite ongoing federal policy uncertainty. “We do now have this bright spot, and we need to remember this is as a very good thing.”

She tells Brownfield The Golden State is Nebraska’s largest domestic ethanol market and sales of E-85 helped set the stage for the milestone. “They really want to go fast in their cars, and E85 continues to be available throughout California and that’s given people the opportunity to continue to have that internal combustion engine and meet some stringent California air emissions guidelines.”

The E15 Clean-Up Act allows retailers to legally sell E15 using existing gasoline storing and handling infrastructure. State regulators are working to meet statutes to allow permanent sales of the blend.

Ron Lamberty with the American Coalition for Ethanol says this is a major step in providing retailers a clear path to offer consumers a cheaper option at the pump.