ARCO CITES S. CALIFORNIA CLEAN AIR MILESTONE

ARCO says it has passed a milestone in its clean air campaign in southern California: elimination of 100 million lb of pollutants through the sale of EC-1 Regular and EC Premium, ARCO's reformulated gasolines introduced during the past 2 years. To celebrate the event, the company unveiled a 10 ft high digital sign on the north face of the ARCO Products Co. building overlooking the Harbor Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. The sign will begin the countdown for the next 100 million lb to be

Feb. 4, 1991

2 min read

To celebrate the event, the company unveiled a 10 ft high digital sign on the north face of the ARCO Products Co. building overlooking the Harbor Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. The sign will begin the countdown for the next 100 million lb to be eliminated through the use of ARCO's EC fuels.

Along with the clean air announcement, ARCO Products Pres. George H. Babikian disclosed the company will test several new emission control gasoline formulas in independent laboratories during the next 5 months.

ARCO arrived at its 100 million lb pollutant reduction figure by multiplying the estimated pounds of pollution reduction by the number of days since the gasolines were introduced.

EC-1 Regular, designed for pre-1975 cars and pre-1980 trucks that are not equipped with catalytic converters, went on sale in September 1989.

ARCO's 92 octane EC Premium was introduced in September 1990. ARCO says it is the lowest polluting, high octane premium ever made in California.

TEST PROGRAM

ARCO's new tests will aim to determine the least costly formulations that match the air quality benefits of M85, a fuel composed of 85% methanol and 15% gasoline.

The test program is the final step in support of statements made by Babikian to the California Air Resources Board last September that ARCO would soon have a recipe for a reformulated gasoline with emission levels comparable to M85.

"Now, with more M85 test data of our own, together with data from the Auto/Oil Task Force, these final tests will help us determine the formulation that is least costly to consumers," said Babikian.

"It is absolutely essential that we minimize these costs in the fight against air pollution.

"This test phase represents our commitment to expand EC fuels to all our grades of gasoline. Making the fuel available in large quantities, however, will require about $3 billion in refinery modifications during the next 4-5 years."