The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the Committee on Science will hold a hearing on sulfur in gasoline and diesel fuel. In order to meet new, much stricter EPA air quality standards, the auto industry has moved to reduce the emissions from their vehicles. Background Significant air quality benefits are anticipated with a mandate for a reduction of sulfur in fuel in conjunction with new lower-emissions vehicles. The auto industry would prefer a national standard so that manufacturing can be consistent across the country. Cars in Michigan and cars in California could be easily interchanged without needing to be retooled to meet differing state standards.
Refiners favor a regional approach.
According to refiners, the Clean Air Act was intended, and has to date been implemented, regionally. Additionally, refiners are greatly concerned that a national standard would have disastrous effects on small business. Many small refineries could be driven out of business by the new sulfur-content requirements. While there is disagreement over which standard should be implemented, both refiners and the auto industry favor a more flexible implementation schedule.