Going After Sulfur’s Dregs

As the decade wears on, trucks will be burning a cleaner type of fuel, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but it probably will be a more costly diesel.

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The agency is expected soon to announce a significantly lower sulfur maximum for diesel, starting in 2006. It could be a level lower than refiners want, but higher than the limit sought by diesel engine manufacturers.

At an April 7 meeting in Washington, EPA officials talked to oil industry representatives about the proposed rule and heard their concerns on achieving a drastic cut below 500 parts per million, the current cap.

Although it showed a willingness to talk, EPA gave no indication of budging from setting a 15 ppm limit, said Urvan Sternfels, president of the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association.

For the full story, see the Apr. 17 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.