Urban Air Initiative tells California Air Resources Board midlevel ethanol blends helps state achieve goals

In California, in comments recently filed with the California Air Resources Board, the Urban Air Initiative made a case for higher octane, lower carbon fuels like midlevel ethanol blends to help the state meet its carbon reduction goals. Specifically, CARB had requested comments on its efforts to deal with brown and black carbon through what the state is calling its Short Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy. These carbon molecules are formed via incomplete combustion of fuels, with fossil fuels being particularly problematic as it relates to global warming potential.

UAI’s comments focused on providing documented technical and scientific information challenging CARB’s position that current diesel controls and new vehicle technologies are effective strategies. UAI argues that gasoline is the predominant transportation fuel and CARB, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency undervalue the contribution of gasoline to the problem.