RBOC is pointing out the potential negative ramifications for recreational boaters and urging the availability of ethanol-free sustainable fuel for boaters as the State Legislature considers legislation in the Second Extraordinary Session aimed at accelerating and increasing access to ethanol-based fuels in the California marketplace.
ABX2-9 [Petrie-Norris] is one of the measures that has been introduced in the special session that Governor announced on August 31 “to address the pernicious problem of gasoline price spikes at the pump — and save Californians hundreds of millions of dollars annually.”
The bill would:
Require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to complete its multimedia evaluation of gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) by July 1, 2025.
Require the California Energy Commission (CEC) to report to the Legislature by July 1, 2025, on specified potential solutions to increase the supply of gasoline identified by the 2024 CEC Transportation Fuels Assessment.
Together with our national partners BoatUS, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, American Sportfishing Association, Marine Recreation Association and other like-minded groups, RBOC appreciates the work to tackle increased fuel prices. As the Legislature considers ABX2-9, it is important to note the potential ramifications if fuels containing increased amounts of ethanol, especially E15, enter the California market.
Close to 627,000 registered boats in California could be placed at risk due to the shortcomings and destructive nature of E15 fuel. As has occurred in other states allowing the use of E15, mislabeling at fuel pumps is a common occurrence due to few consumer education and protection measures – which leads consumers to unknowingly use incompatible fuels and destroy their products.
As the Legislature considers alternative fuel initiatives and programs, RBOC is therefore encouraging the state to make available ethanol-free sustainable marine fuels to boaters, which provide an innovative solution to protect California boaters and an immediate carbon emissions reduction from existing boat propulsion systems.