After an E15 implementation bill passed unanimously out of the California State Legislature last week, the Renewable Fuels Association turns its attention this week to the annual conference of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, the statewide trade association that represents independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline. RFA plans a front-and-center trade show exhibit and a set of retailer E15 workshops at the event, which is drawing more than 1,500 attendees to San Diego.
“Fuel retailers have been expressing interest in the lower-cost E15 fuel blend and look forward to finally being able to offer it to their customers,” said Robert White, RFA Senior Vice President for Industry Relations and Market Development. “As the final roadblocks are removed, we’re working had to ensure E15 gets to the stations—and drivers’ gas tanks—as soon as possible. Working with CFCA has really helped us make the connections to move the fuel forward.”
RFA kicked off its E15 for California education campaign at last year’s CFCA Summit, just as lawmakers—again unanimously—passed a bill to allow E15 to be sold in the state. California has the highest gas prices in the nation and became the final state to allow the blend to be sold when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the earlier bill. RFA worked with his office on this clean-up legislation and expects him to sign it quickly.
“We have now seen two E15 bills move out of the statehouse in Sacramento with votes that were not only bipartisan, but unanimous—something Washington should pay heed to when it comes to ensuring E15 is available to everyone year-round,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We’re grateful to all in Sacramento who made this happen, and to the great team we have in place, leading this effort on the front lines.”