California
POPULATION (2015): 39,144,818
REGISTERED CARS & LIGHT TRUCKS: 27,779,811
ANNUAL GAS CONSUMPTION (2014): 14.6 Billion GPY
TOTAL RETAIL STATIONS: 7,513
Fuel specifications
RFG is required across the state year round. All gas sold in state must meet certain specifications determined by the state’s predictive model.
During winter months, the RVP reference limit is 9.0 psi. In summer months, the RVP point is 7.0 psi. The summer season varies for different regions in the state, but if a producer or importer uses the CaRFG Phase 3 Predictive Model to certify a final blend that does not contain ethanol, the RVP reference point is then 6.9 psi. The RVP limit is expressed as a range: minimum RVP is 6.40 psi, and the maximum is 7.2 psi. Lower-RVP gasoline is required to be at the terminal and retail level for these time periods: April 1-October 31 (South Coast Air Basin, Ventura County, San Diego Air Basin, Mojave Desert Air Basin, Salton Sea Air Basin), May 1-September 30 (Great Basin Valley Air Basin), May 1-October 31 (San Francisco Air Basin, San Joaquin Air Basin, Sacramento Valley Air Basin, Mountain Counties Air Basin, Lake Tahoe Air Basin), June 1-October 31
(South Central Coast Air Basin excluding Ventura County, North Central Coast Air Basin). Producers and importers must also comply with the RVP limits one month before the time periods, in order to help facilitate the sales transition to lower-RVP gasoline.
While California has no specific ban on E15, other regulations prevent the sale of E15 at this time.
Contact information for key state regulatory agencies
Division of Measurement Standards, 916-654-0466
State Laws & Incentives
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Grants
California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program requires a reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels that are sold, supplied, or offered for sale in the state by a minimum of 10% by 2020. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) regulations require transportation fuel producers and importers to meet specified average carbon intensity requirements for fuel. In the regulations, carbon intensity reductions are based on reformulated gasoline mixed with 10% corn-derived ethanol and low-sulfur diesel fuel. Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) is exempt from LCFS requirements, as are non-biomass-based alternative fuels that are supplied in California for use in transportation at an aggregated volume of less than 3.6 million gasoline gallon equivalents per year. Other exemptions apply for transportation fuel used in specific applications. The LCFS Program allows producers and importers to generate, acquire, transfer, bank, borrow, and trade credits. Fuel producers and importers regulated under the LCFS must meet quarterly and annual reporting requirements. For more information, see the LCFS Program website. (Reference California Code of Regulations Title 17, Section 95480-95490; Executive OrderS-01-07, 2007; and California Health and Safety Code 38500-38599)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Grants
The Motor and Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Fueling Infrastructure Grants Vehicle Registration Fee Program (Program) provides funding for projects that reduce air pollution from on- and off-road vehicles. Eligible projects include purchasing AFVs and developing alternative fueling infrastructure. Contact local air districts and see the Program website for more information about available grant funding and distribution from the Program. (Reference California Health and Safety Code44220 (b))
Ethanol and Renewable Diesel Volume Rebate Program - Propel Fuels Propel Fuels offers a rebate to qualified fleet customers for monthly purchases of more than 500 gallons of E85 (flex fuel) and renewable diesel. Fleet customers must purchase the fuel directly from Propel public retail locations using the Propel CleanDrive Fleet Card. The program offers a rebate of $0.03 per gallon for purchases of less than 1,000 gallons of biofuel per month, and $0.05 per gallon for purchases of 1,000 gallons or more per month. The rebate is applied at the end of each monthly billing cycle. For more information, see the Propel Clean Fleet Solution website.
Federal Incentives
Ethanol Infrastructure Grants and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides grants and loan guarantees to rural (population less than 50K) small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems include equipment used to distribute flexible fuels. The maximum grant funding is 25% of project costs and the maximum loan guarantee is $25 million. The program is funded through fiscal year 2018 but is subject to congressional appropriations thereafter. For more information, see the REAP website.
Point of Contact
Office of Rural Development, Business and Cooperative Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Phone: (202) 690-4730
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
Ethanol plant direct E85/ethanol sales
Click here for a complete list of domestic ethanol producers and sales contacts for E85/direct ethanol sales
AVG STATION (162,000 GPM)
