California approves E15 ethanol gasoline, but, is it safe for your car?

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) yesterday approved amendments to the state's gasoline regulations that will allow E15 fuel to be sold at gas stations in the state.

Photo Credit: CARB

E15 fuel is a blend of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol. Previously, the limit was 10% (the fuel was labeled E10).

Gas stations selling the fuel will have a label that states whether the fuel has E10 or E15 gasoline.

However, it is important to note, especially for those of you driving older vehicles, to check your owner's manual (or by other means) to ensure that E10 or E15 gasoline is safe to use. The presence of ethanol in gasoline has caused damage to engine fuel systems in older models and possibly some newer ones as well. The use of E15 may actually void your warranty as well!

Here is a link to CARB's announcement: CARB Approves E15 Fuel

The following may be helpful in determining whether it is safe to use E10 or E15 gasoline, but, be sure to check your owner's manual as stated above: 

Vehicles and Engines Prohibited from Using E15

Pre-2001 light-duty vehicles: Traditional cars, trucks, and SUVs built in model year 2000 or older lack the computer controls and upgraded fuel lines needed to handle higher ethanol. [1, 2]

• Motorcycles and ATVs: Small powertrains and carburetors can suffer severe rubber and plastic corrosion. [1, 2]
• Marine and off-road engines: Boats, snowmobiles, and jet skis are strictly prohibited by the Department of Energy. [1]
• Small utility equipment: Lawn mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and generators will experience rapid fuel system damage. [1, 2]
• Specific manufacturer exceptions: Some specific older or high-performance models (such as certain pre-2014 Honda or older Mazda Skyactiv configurations) advise against E15, so your owner's manual remains the final authority. [1, 2]

Vehicles Prohibited from Using E10

• Classic and vintage cars: Vehicles built before widespread ethanol adoption (generally pre-1980s or older classics) have metallic, rubber, and cork components that degrade when exposed to 10% ethanol unless retrofitted.

Valley Air District releases 2025 Annual Report to the Community

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has just released a digital highlights summary of its 2025 Annual Report. You can access the report in English here and in Spanish here.

Photo Credit: SJVAPCD 2025 Annual Report

The report summarizes air quality progress, pollution levels, control efforts, and much more that has resulted in Valley air quality to be cleanest on record.

Said Samir Sheikh, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer: "Based on air monitoring data collected throughout the region, 2025 was the cleanest year on record across numerous air quality metrics. For the first time, every federal reference monitoring site recorded levels below the federal 24-hour PM2.5 standard. At the same time, we continued to make meaningful progress in reducing ozone concentrations with the lowest number of exceedances of ozone standards on record. Overall, the Valley continued to have more “Good” air quality days, and a record low number of only five “Unhealthy” days across all Valley counties, down from over 100 days just ten years ago, and hundreds of days twenty years ago. These improvements bring the Valley closer than ever to attaining the remaining federal health-based standards, and represents real improvements in the air we breathe and tangible health benefits for the communities we serve."

The report summarizes, permit actions, grants & incentives, partnerships, air quality monitoring, rewards, and general information about the Valley Air District.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is made up of eight counties in California's Central Valley - San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin portion of Kern.

The Valley Air District is governed by a fifteen member Governing Board consisting of representatives from the Board of Supervisors of all eight counties, one Health and Science member, appointed by the Governor, one Physician, appointed by the Governor and five Valley city representatives.

Visit the agency's website to learn more about it, including rules and regulations, hearings and public meetings, current air quality data and alerts, employment, and other information.

Thinking of buying your first EV? California has some money for you!

If you live in California and were thinking about buying an electric vehicle for the first time, but, were put off by the pricing and the removal of certain federal EV credits by the Trump administration, then has California got a deal for you!

Photo Credit: MyFirstEV/CARB

This month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California's MyFirstEV program. As a result, buyers can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid, or Tesla dealer and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and grab a discount of $3,500 on a new model or $1,750 on a used one. 

Half of the rebate will be provided by California and the other half by the vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, manufacturers headquartered in California who only make ZEVs, e.g., Lucid, are exempt from the price caps.

Ford, Rivian, Chevrolet, and Kia are planning to also join this program later this month, with Toyota/Lexus, Honda, Subaru, and Mitsubishi later this year. Additionally, Nissan and Volvo are still determining when they will join the program.

For more information and details in the program, check this link: California launches MyFirstEV instant rebate program for first-time buyers

EPA Grants Over $5.6 Million to California Tribes for Recycling Infrastructure Projects

Yesterday, July 29, 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was granting $5,683,158 to Native American Tribes within California. The funding will be distributed to five projects under the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program. The grants range from $100,000 to $1.5 million.

Tribal Lands in EPA Region IX

Photo Credit: USEPA, Region IX

SWIFR grants are used to improve local solid waste recycling management systems and ensure that they are stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective. According to EPA, the new grants will "... reduce the burden on landfill capacity, increase valuable materials for end-markets, establish collection services and composting programs, create new jobs, and improve quality of life."

These particular monies will be used for new and expanded recycling and composting facilities for the following Tribes: 

• Kashia Band of Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria
• Hoopa Valley Tribe
• Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian
• Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
• Pala Band of Luiseno Mission Indians

Said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Michael Martucci: “Solid waste infrastructure is especially important in tribal and rural communities across the Pacific Southwest. These funds enable Tribes to build long-term waste management capacity and increase recycling and composting in their communities, diverting waste from landfills.”

Added Acting EPA Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management Thomas Croci: "These grants support the American economy by improving recycling, cutting disposal costs, extending landfill life, and creating local jobs. By improving tribal recycling infrastructure EPA supports the recovery of domestic sources of raw materials, local economies and provides tangible health benefits to communities across Indian Country."

More information on the program can be found here:  SWIFR Tribal grant program.