State Air Resources Board: gasoline specifications: ethanol blends.
Impact
If enacted, AB 30 would represent a significant change in the state's approach to gasoline fuel specifications. It would provide a temporary but critical leniency in the regulation surrounding ethanol fuels, potentially facilitating the immediate availability of alternative fuels. This could influence gasoline prices and availability for consumers while the necessary reviews are conducted. Moreover, it might stimulate further discourse on environmentally friendly fuel alternatives in California, as the existing prohibitions would be bypassed for these specific ethanol blends in the interim.
Summary
Assembly Bill 30, introduced by Assembly Members Alvarez and Flora, aims to modify current regulations regarding the sale of gasoline blends containing 10.5% to 15% ethanol by volume in California. Traditionally, the State Air Resources Board has mandated strict specifications for motor vehicle fuels to manage air quality and reduce pollution. This bill proposes to allow these ethanol blends to be sold without the usual regulatory review process until the California Environmental Policy Council completes its assessment of environmental impacts, and the state board either adopts a regulation or confirms the impossibility of doing so under existing standards.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding AB 30 appears largely supportive among its proponents, who argue that it addresses urgent economic concerns, including fuel prices. They posit that allowing these ethanol blends will help mitigate the rising costs of gasoline in California, a state frequently criticized for its high fuel prices. Conversely, concerns have been raised regarding the potential environmental implications of rapidly approving new fuel blends, as critics argue that such decisions should not circumvent established review processes intended to protect air quality.
Contention
The main points of contention regarding AB 30 center around the urgency and potential ramifications of bypassing thorough regulatory reviews. Environmental advocates argue that immediate sales of these ethanol blends could lead to unforeseen environmental consequences, potentially jeopardizing air quality standards that have taken years to establish. As the debate unfolds, it underscores the balance California legislators must strike between addressing immediate economic needs and ensuring long-term environmental protection.