Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a directive to California’s Air Resources Board on Oct. 25, asking the agency to expedite studies regarding increasing the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline.
State regulations currently limit blends to no more than 10 percent ethanol, known as E10, but regulators are considering allowing up to 15 percent, known as E15.
“Given the potential for allowing E15 gasoline to increase fuel supply and reduce gasoline prices, with little to no environmental harm, it is prudent for [the air resources board] to prioritize resources that would allow for the expeditious completion of this process,” Newsom said in his order. “Therefore, I am directing [the board] to accelerate its action on this critical issue.”…