Update on legislation proposing abandoned vessel inventory, authorizing E15 fuel, re-evaluating copper-based anti-fouling paint, mandating marine flare producer take-back program

We have an update on 4 measures in which RBOC is engaged following today's deadline for legislation to pass through the appropriations committees in the Assembly and Senate and move forward to the floors of each house.

Abandoned Vessels Inventory

A proposed requirement that the State Lands Commission inventory all abandoned and derelict commercial and recreational vessels on or in waters within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

AB 274 [Ransom] was held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will not move forward.

E15 Fuel Authorization

A proposed authorization for the sale of E15 in the state for use as a transportation fuel until both of the following occur:

• CEPC completes its review and publicly posts its findings of the multimedia evaluation (MME) for E15 required pursuant to existing law.

• ARB does either of the following: adopts a regulation establishing a specification for E15 or posts an assessment on its website demonstrating it is not possible for a proposed regulation establishing a specification for E15.

AB 30 [Alvarez] passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and proceeds to the Assembly Floor [Assembly Third Reading]

Copper-based Anti-fouling Paint Re-evaluation

A proposed requirement that the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) reevaluate copper-based boat antifouling paint (AFP) products and requires the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), and DPR to determine the best methods to address elevated copper concentrations in marine water bodies.

AB 773 [DIxon] was held on suspense in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will not move forward.

Distress Flare EPR

A proposed requirement that the producers of marine flares establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and safe and proper management of marine flares in California.

SB 561 [Blakespear] passed Senate Appropriations Committee and proceeds to the Senate Floor [Senate Third Reading] for consideration.

RBOC opposing E15 authorization legislation unless adequate supply of E10 for boats is ensured

RBOC is opposing AB 30 [Alvarez] unless the measure is amended to ensure the availability of an adequate supply of E10 gasoline as required for motorized recreational vessels in California.

 As RBOC has shared with the office of Assembly Member Alvarez as the author of AB 30:

1.       The engines in motorized recreational vessels require E10 fuel.

2.       The USEPA prohibits the use of E15 gasoline in recreational vessel engines.

3.       E15 fuel ruins the recreational vessel engines and voids the manufacturers’ warranties.

4.       The enactment of AB 30 will reduce the availability of E10 gasoline and increase its price.

5.       Requirements in other states to require labeling at the pump have not been an effective solution.

We look forward to further engagement to address and resolve these concerns. At this time, RBOC is opposed to AB 30 unless it is amended to ensure the availability of an adequate supply of E10 gasoline as required for motorized recreational vessels in California.