Announcement Expected from EPA on Clean Fuel Regs

The final rule on diesel emissions regulations could come as early as today, with a formal announcement expected next week.

According to published reports, Clinton administration officials said yesterday the White House is nearing final agreement on the rules following a last-minute dispute over the timetable for phasing in lower-sulfur diesel fuel.

The regulation, first proposed in May, would require a 95 percent sulfur reduction in diesel to an average of 15 parts per million. Engine manufacturers say they need this level to meet emissions regulations that are expected to go into effect in 2007, but the oil industry has fought it, saying it could lead to fuel shortages and higher prices.

Diesel fuel now has about 500 parts per million sulfur content. The oil industry contends the EPA reduction to 15 parts per million on average may be impossible to meet. It has offered a reduction to 50 parts per million, which the EPA has said is not enough.

The EPA wants the new fuel in pumps nationwide by the summer of 2006. Now it looks as thought some phase-in beyond 2006 is likely.

An unusual coalition of environmental groups, auto makers and some diesel engine manufacturers, including the California Trucking Association, urged President Clinton to stick to the original 2006 deadline, reported the Associated Press.

-Truckinginfo.com