The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) said today that making ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel available nationwide must be a top priority for EPA.
Speaking at an EPA public workshop on diesel fuel characteristics and emissions, EMA spokesperson Lisa Stegink indicated that engine manufacturers need a nationwide diesel fuel sulfur cap of 15 ppm to meet upcoming on-road diesel engine emissions standards.
"EMA supports a nationwide, harmonized on-highway diesel fuel with no phase-in and believes that `boutique’ fuels must be avoided," said Stegink. "Ultra-low sulfur diesel is needed to enable aftertreatment technologies and to allow pull-ahead of clean diesel technology, and we need it to be available no later than June 2006."
EMA also indicated that manufacturers need EPA's decision on the future of the non-road engine program and the level of sulfur in non-road fuels immediately. Citing the links among non-road fuels, technology and standards, EMA told the audience that the already adopted Tier 3 non-road standards require a change from the current 3300 ppm average sulfur content of non-road diesel fuel. Further, any use of on-highway-like technologies to meet future non-road emissions standards will require the use of 15-ppm sulfur or less fuel.
"Other changes in fuel parameters such as cetane or aromatic content are helpful in reducing emissions, but such changes should be implemented consistently across the country to avoid creation of boutique fuel markets and should not slow the nationwide introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel," Stegink said.
A boutique fuel is a specially formulated blend designed to help qualifying cities and counties meet federally mandated clean air standards.
