Air pollution: gasoline vapor control systems: ethanol blends

The law lets stations use existing E10-certified equipment for gasoline containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol when manufacturers attest that it is compatible and safe. It also requires state labeling and safety rules for those blends.

What the law does ​

• Deems E10-certified vapor-control systems, enhanced vapor-control systems, and flammable-liquid dispensing devices approved for E15 use when manufacturers submit signed compatibility statements to the relevant state agencies.
• Removes the need for new state certifications, permits, listings, or approvals solely because a qualifying station begins dispensing E15.
• Requires the State Air Resources Board to publish manufacturers that submit compatibility statements.
• Requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt E15 labeling and safe-use rules by December 31, 2026, consistent with then-current federal labeling standards.
• Requires the State Fire Marshal to propose conforming California Fire Code changes, which the California Building Standards Commission must adopt as emergency regulations.
• Ends the temporary equipment-approval provisions on January 1, 2029.

Who it affects ​

• Gasoline-station owners and operators that dispense gasoline blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol.
• Manufacturers of vapor-control systems, enhanced vapor-control systems, and fuel-dispensing equipment.
• State agencies that certify, regulate, or enforce requirements for gasoline-dispensing equipment and labeling.

Breakdown ​

E15 Vapor Control Equipment ​

The bill temporarily allows gasoline station vapor control equipment approved for gasoline containing 10% ethanol to be used with blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol. Equipment manufacturers must submit signed compatibility statements to the relevant state agencies, and stations selling these blends must follow Fire Marshal labeling rules. The State Fire Marshal must adopt rules for labeling and safe use by the end of 2026.

Key takeaways

• Until January 1, 2029, qualifying vapor control systems and components approved for E10 gasoline may also be used with gasoline blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol.
• The equipment manufacturer must submit a compatibility statement, signed under penalty of perjury, to the State Air Resources Board, State Fire Marshal, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and Division of Measurement Standards.
• Service stations dispensing gasoline blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol must comply with State Fire Marshal labeling requirements.
• The bill makes a false compatibility statement subject to perjury consequences, which creates a state-required local program.
• By December 31, 2026, the State Fire Marshal must adopt regulations on labeling and safe use of these ethanol blends with the authorized equipment.

E15 Vapor Control Approval ​

Until January 1, 2029, certain gasoline-station vapor control equipment approved for fuel containing 10% ethanol must also be treated as approved for fuel blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol. This applies when the equipment manufacturer submits the required compatibility statement.

Key takeaways

• The change applies to enhanced vapor control systems at gasoline dispensing facilities.
• Equipment suitable for gasoline containing 10% ethanol must be deemed certified or approved for blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol.
• The manufacturer must submit the required statement that the equipment is compatible with those ethanol blends.
• This temporary approval rule remains in effect until January 1, 2029.

Workplace Approval for E15 Fuel Equipment ​

Until January 1, 2029, equipment used to dispense flammable liquids containing up to 10% ethanol must be treated as approved for dispensing gasoline blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol. This applies when the equipment manufacturer submits the required compatibility statement.

Key takeaways

• The bill creates a temporary approval rule for dispensing equipment used with E15 gasoline blends.
• Equipment approved for fuels containing up to 10% ethanol must be treated as approved for blends containing more than 10% and up to 15% ethanol.
• The equipment manufacturer must submit the required statement confirming compatibility.
• This rule applies to occupational safety and health standards and orders until January 1, 2029.

No State Reimbursement Required ​

This part says the state does not have to reimburse local agencies or school districts for costs caused by this law. The bill gives a specified reason for not requiring reimbursement under the state mandate reimbursement rules.

Key takeaways

• The bill states that no state reimbursement is required for costs resulting from this act.
• Local agencies and school districts cannot claim reimbursement under the state mandate process for the reason specified in the bill.
• This provision addresses the bill's fiscal effect rather than gasoline vapor control requirements.