On Oct. 25, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to expedite their evaluation of E15, a gasoline-ethanol blend, to potentially lower gasoline prices in California and save residents up to $2.7 billion annually with minimal environmental impact.
The potential of E15 to reduce gas prices in California is contentious, as is the claim that expanding biofuels use has few consequences.
Policy shifts in California, especially those targeting greenhouse gas emission reductions or carbon credits, can have widespread effects across the U.S. and globally. California, if considered a country, ranks as the world’s fifth-largest economy. E15 adoption could influence land use in the Midwest, where much of the corn for ethanol is grown.
Ethanol, a renewable fuel, can be produced from various sources. Originally touted as a “bridge fuel” from cellulosic materials, corn remains dominant in ethanol production, says Silvia Secchi, professor at the University of Iowa.
This shift has not materialized as expected. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 45% of U.S. corn is used for ethanol, leading to increased corn acreage. This intensification affects regions like Iowa, the top U.S. corn producer, where fertilizer usage contributes to severe environmental issues, prompting calls for federal intervention.
Nitrogen-based fertilizers used in corn farming can contaminate water supplies, potentially causing health issues like blue baby syndrome and colon cancer. In Des Moines, the world’s largest nitrate-removal facility may need expansion to address contamination.
According to Danny Cullenward from the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, biofuel land impacts are significant, often overlooked in carbon accounting. He emphasizes the need to evaluate environmental costs beyond consumer savings.
A “Bridge Fuel”
Ethanol has seen substantial subsidies, with U.S. taxpayers investing billions in the ethanol industry. The Renewable Fuel Standard mandates renewable fuel volumes in transportation fuel, supporting ethanol production. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard incentivizes lower carbon intensity fuels, though biofuels remain heavily subsidized.
The rise in biofuel production has led to carbon capture and storage projects, which face challenges. Meanwhile, soybeans are pivotal in biodiesel production, fueling medium and heavy-duty vehicles. California leads in U.S. biodiesel consumption, with most imports from Singapore.
The Renewable Fuels Association claims corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions. They funded the study Newsom cited, claiming E15 adoption in California would reduce gas prices.
Most gasoline contains 10% ethanol. Increasing to 15% requires infrastructure changes, which could raise costs. Aaron Smith from the University of California, Berkeley, questions the impact of E15 on prices.
Newsom’s E15 proposal has been met with skepticism. Critics argue increased ethanol production may not benefit the climate, and some experts believe California’s policy focus is too narrow, ignoring broader environmental effects.
A “Win-Win” for Californians
Newsom promoted E15 as a “win-win” for Californians, yet its environmental merits are debated. Critics argue California’s policies neglect effects beyond state borders and often prioritize carbon over other environmental concerns.
The amended Low Carbon Fuel Standard could unintentionally increase gas prices due to rising credit costs, benefiting biofuel companies. The complex carbon credit system could make E15 cheaper, but with broader climate implications.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org