Sales of oxygenated motor fuel in polluted U.S. urban areas have yielded sharp declines in carbon monoxide emissions this winter, the Environmental Protection Agency reports.
It said preliminary air quality monitoring data from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 in the 20 areas operating the program for the first time show only 2 days when the carbon monoxide health standard was exceeded. The 2 days included 1 each in Provo, Utah, and Missoula, Mont.
"Although weather conditions can affect carbon monoxide concentrations, preliminary data suggest the reductions in carbon monoxide levels are largely attributable to the oxygenated fuel program," EPA said.
The program, the first major clean fuel program to go into effect under the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, is implemented by state and local air pollution control agencies operating under EPA guidelines.
The law requires oxygenated fuel in all 39 urban areas exceeding the carbon monoxide standard during winter months, generally from November through February, when carbon monoxide levels are higher.
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