Since 1996, California gasoline has been the cleanest in the world. California s cleaner-burning gasoline regulation is one of the cornerstones of the state s efforts to reduce air pollution and attain healthful air quality for all Californians. This fact sheet contains the latest information on cleaner-burning gasoline. All gasoline sold in California for use in motor vehicles must meet these requirements, which have been in effect since Spring 1996. There are eight basic specifications for cleaner-burning gasoline.
Sulfur inhibits the effectiveness of catalytic converters.
Cleaner-burning gasoline enables catalytic converters to work more effectively and further reduce tailpipe emissions. Reduced benzene content. Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans. Reduced levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, which react readily with other pollutants to form smog. Reduced levels of olefins, which also react readily with other pollutants to form smog.