Automakers Support Proposed Sulfur Reductions in Diesel Fuels

18 May 2000
Automakers Support Proposed Sulfur Reductions in Diesel Fuels
    WASHINGTON, May 17 The following is a statement by
Josephine S. Cooper, President, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, in
response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to reduce
sulfur levels in diesel fuel:

    "The Alliance applauds EPA's proposal to control sulfur in diesel fuel.
While the Alliance believes even tighter limits and controls on additional
parameters are needed, a 15 parts per million (ppm) cap on diesel sulfur
levels will go a long way toward cleaning diesel fuel.
    "Control of sulfur levels in diesel fuel is critical if light-duty diesel
vehicles are to meet the stringent Tier 2 emission standards that EPA
finalized in December 1999.  To achieve these standards with diesel engines
will require the use of advanced emission control technologies, similar to
those used on gasoline-fueled engines.  Sulfur contaminates these devices and
does not allow their use on diesel engines.  The industry needs to keep open
the possibility of using diesel engines to address societal needs in the
coming years.
    "We support EPA's efforts and hope that EPA holds firm on its position and
issues a final rule with stringent control of diesel fuel quality.
    Additionally, the Alliance joins other automobile and engine manufacturing
associations from around the globe in recommending very clean fuels for its
products.  This recommendation is reflected in the recently revised (April
2000) World-Wide Fuel Charter, which calls for sulfur-free gasoline and diesel
fuel for use with advanced technology and to help meet stringent emission
standards.  The Charter also recommends controlling other parameters, such as
cetane and aromatics in diesel fuel.  It was first established in 1998 to
promote greater understanding of the fuel quality needs of motor vehicle
technologies and to harmonize fuel quality world-wide in accordance with
vehicle needs. (The Charter can be found at http://www.autoalliance.org in the Fuels
section.)