The California Exhaust Emission Standards and Test Procedures (Part I(E) 2.5.2.1.5), commonly known as the AB 1493 regulations, aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from motor vehicles by setting limits on the permissible per-mile GHG emissions of new vehicles sold in the state. The regulations’ Optional Alternative Compliance Mechanism (ACM) allows automakers to claim GHG reductions from the use of biofuels in flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs), to the extent automakers can assure biofuels use in these vehicles. This analysis focuses specifically on the use of E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) fuel, though it is often applicable to all biofuels, and finds large potential for AB 1493 compliance through FFVs and biofuels use.
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