We believe we have been more than responsive to some of the concerns that have been raised. Under the EPA's rule, half of all heavy duty trucks and buses must meet the new emissions requirements by 2007. The remaining vehicles would need to meet the standards by 2010. Oil companies have also questioned the new rule, fearing that they will not be able to economically produce enough low sulfur fuel to keep pace with demand. Red Cavaney, president of the American Petroleum Institute, said that the EPA's rule could create supply and demand imbalances.
Diesel fuel is used in millions of trucks that transport the majority of the nation's goods.
Cavaney emphasized that the American Petroleum Institute is committed to reducing the sulfur content in diesel fuel, which he acknowledged would better protect public health and the environment. However, the group maintains that a smaller sulfur reduction would have sufficiently addressed those concerns. Cost is also a factor for the oil industry. The EPA estimates that the new regulations will increase the price of diesel fuel by four to five cents a gallon. The oil industry has argued that the costs will run much higher - as much as 15 cents per gallon.