Energy Commission Awards More Than $3.2 Million for Clean Transportation Projects  

In California, the California Energy Commission today approved $3,270,066 for projects that will keep the state on track to a clean transportation future. The approved awards were made through the Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118. The program, which is essential to fulfilling the state’s pioneering climate-change policies, is slated to invest approximately $90 million during this fiscal year to develop new transportation technologies, as well as alternative and renewable fuels. It is paid for through surcharges on vehicle and boating registrations, and smog check and license plate fees. Among award recipients, Pearson Fuels will receive $1,350,000 for the installation of E85 dispensing equipment at 19 existing fueling stations throughout California. E85 fuel is a mix of 15 percent conventional gasoline and 85 percent ethanol, an alcohol derived from plant material. Flex-fuel vehicles can run on E85 or conventional gasoline. The Energy Commission expects the E85 vehicle fuel market in California will eventually be the largest in the United States, with approximately 55,000 new flex-fuel vehicles purchased in the state each year. Use of E85 fuel reduces petroleum consumption and tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are few locations dispensing E85 fuel in the state. This project includes collecting data on station operations to help provide a demonstration of the feasibility of developing stations dispensing E85 fuel.