EPA Optimistic That Refiners Will Meet Demand For Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
Fuel refiners say they will have plenty of ultra-low sulfur diesel by 2006, when new clean air rules take effect.
That's the message from the Environmental Protection Agency, which requires refiners to report annually on their plans for meeting the tough new standards. According to the agency, refiners are on target for getting sulfur content down to 15 parts per million, and will be able to produce and distribute enough fuel to meet demand.
The information is preliminary, but it provides the clearest picture available, EPA said.
Under the standard ordered by the Clinton administration in 2000, refiners have to make a 97% reduction in sulfur content — from 500 ppm down to 15 ppm. This clean-up is to be done in concert with moves by engine manufacturers to reduce particulate matter 90% by 2007, and to cut nitrogen oxide emissions in two stages, starting in 2007 and finishing in 2010.
The sulfur reduction is key to cleaning up diesel emissions. Engineers say that without ultra-low sulfur fuel, there is no chance of reaching the goal of zero emissions.
But there has been much concern among engine manufacturers and trucking interests that the refining industry may not be able to supply or distribute enough low-sulfur fuel. That fear sparked EPA to require annual updates from refiners on their progress, starting this year.
In this first round of reports, EPA said it heard from 126 refineries — all of the refineries that were producing fuel in 2000, plus six that intend to offer the fuel by 2006.
"The reports show that 15 ppm sulfur highway diesel fuel will be widely available," EPA said. It expects that 96% of highway diesel produced in 2006 will meet the standard. And, more than 90% of the refineries plan to produce at least some 15 ppm fuel.
Washington Report continued...
