Sulfur dispute

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nears a preliminary decision on reducing the sulfur level in gasoline, the auto and oil industries remain far apart on the issue. Robert Perciasepe, EPA's assistant administrator for the office of air and radiation, discussed the issue at the recent World Fuels Conference in Arlington, Va. Perciasepe said that sulfur in gasoline can affect auto catalysts and onboard diagnostic systems.

Oct. 5, 1998

3 min read

Patrick Crow
Washington, D.C.
[email protected]

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nears a preliminary decision on reducing the sulfur level in gasoline, the auto and oil industries remain far apart on the issue.

Robert Perciasepe, EPA's assistant administrator for the office of air and radiation, discussed the issue at the recent World Fuels Conference in Arlington, Va.

Perciasepe said that sulfur in gasoline can affect auto catalysts and onboard diagnostic systems.

He said that, by 2000, under current rules, U.S. gasolines will have three sulfur levels. California will have a 30 ppm average with an 80 ppm cap, Phase II reformulated gasoline (RFG) a 150 ppm average, and non-RFG fuel 340 ppm.

Perciasepe said that EPA will propose a rule in January that covers sulfur reductions in fuels and will issue a final rule a year later.

"Our idea in January is not necessarily to come up with an exact answer, but a preferred option with some alternatives." He said that, after further talks with interested parties, a decision could come in 6 months.

Auto views

Andrew Card, American Automobile Manufactures Association president, said, "the biggest impediment to cleaner fuels is sulfur."

He added, "Fuel quality in the U.S. lags far behind both advanced vehicle technology and world fuel standards." He said America has the most stringent motor vehicle standards in the world, but high-sulfur gasoline is reducing the benefits.

He said that, compared with 30 ppm sulfur levels, today's gasoline increases hydrocarbon emissions by 20%, carbon monoxide 15%, nitrogen oxide 5%, toxics 10%, and ambient particulates 80%.

"The auto industry remains united in our conviction that we need a nationwide sulfur limit far lower and much sooner than the oil industry is offering.

"And we need those lower sulfur levels very soon. The technology for removing sulfur at the refinery level is readily available and currently in use. California has been doing this since 1996."

Oil response

Red Cavaney, American Petroleum Institute president, urged a slower approach.

API has proposed an eastern U.S. gasoline with an average of 150 ppm and a cap of 300 ppm. Areas using RFG would continue with that low-sulfur fuel.

For the rest of the U.S., refiners would make a gasoline with a year-round average of 300 ppm and a cap of 450 ppm.

Cavaney said that EPA should complete a research program by 2006 to determine if further sulfur reductions are warranted for advanced vehicles on the basis of environmental need, technology requirements, and cost-effectiveness.

"Unless the study recommends otherwise, and a change is needed, a gasoline sulfur level of 30 ppm average, with an 80 ppm cap, would go into effect in 2010."

Cavaney said, "Our industry's regional approach protects the consumer's wallet. It matches emissions benefits to air quality needs. Motorists would not have to pay more for gasoline than their region's air quality requires.

"Reducing sulfur to half the current level, and tailoring the cuts to where they are needed, would save $3 billion/year in higher fuel costs, compared with what others have proposed."