Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed into law legislation enabling the sales of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) in Oregon.
Under current law, Oregon requires that gasoline sold for use in motor vehicles be blended with up to 10% ethanol (E10). The new legislation, HB 3051, sets 10% as a minimum, allowing for sale of fuel with higher concentrations of ethanol.
“Oregon’s diverse geography and unique landscape help make protecting the environment a clear priority for state policymakers. Plant-based renewable ethanol is 46% cleaner than traditional gasoline," says Joshua Shields, senior vice president at POET.
"This new law creates the pathway for higher blends of ethanol — helping Oregon take meaningful steps to improve air quality and curb the effects of climate change by sustainably decarbonizing the light duty vehicles on Oregon’s road today."
A study by Air Improvement Resource, Inc. showed that Oregon could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 190,000 metric tons annually – the equivalent of removing more than 41,000 vehicles from its roads – by increasing the use of higher blends by switching from E10 gasoline to E15.
“Ethanol is also less expensive than gasoline, with E15 typically saving consumers three to 10 cents per gallon,” said Shields. “By increasing the use of ethanol across the state, this law will also provide significant fuel savings for Oregon drivers.”