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California’s ban on gas-powered cars disappoints RFA

A biofuels group has been meeting with farmers at this week’s Farm Progress Show to discuss issues impacting the ethanol industry.

Robert White, VP of Industry Relations with the Renewable Fuels Association, says California’s new ban on the sales of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 is disappointing. “Probably the more nerve-racking part of all of this is there are so many states that look to California for a lead,” White said. “If this is California’s way, then it’s scary that other states might consider the same thing.”

He tells Brownfield the ban comes at a time when E85 sales are trending upward on the West Coast. “It leaves you scratching your head,” White said. “You saw a 55% increase in E85 sales in 2021. You throw the pandemic out the window, and it was compared to 2019.”

White says the ethanol industry remains committed to providing California low-carbon fuel options.

AUDIO: Robert White, VP of Industry Relations with the Renewable Fuels Association