Sulfur in Diesel Targeted by EPA

EPA said it is focusing on sulfur content because current levels interfere with the ability of new diesel emission technologies to reduce nitrogen oxides. Advocates of these technologies say they have the potential to reduce NOx emissions by 50% to 75% and particulate matter emissions by more than 80%.

According to EPA, engine manufacturers say sulfur levels must be reduced to 30 parts per million or lower to allow these catalysts to work.

“It appears that [sulfur reduction] is going to be an essential aspect of future diesel actions,” said Allen Schaeffer, vice president for environmental affairs at American Trucking Associations. “The questions we have are: When does that have to happen? Who else is going to do it? and How low do you go?”