EPA Releases New Fuel & Vehicle Emission Standards
In a significant and positive step for public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the Cleaner Gasoline and Vehicle Standards, also known as Tier 3, to cut the sulfur content in gasoline by two-thirds and lower tailpipe emissions. The standards would take effect in 2017.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy commends EPA and the Obama Administration for taking this bold action that will result in positive improvements in public health and climate change. These changes will result in improved air quality equivalent to removing 33 million cars from the road. EPA expects that the new standards will cost less than a penny increase in fuel costs.
Anne Blair, SACE clean fuels director, offered these comments about the proposal:
“Many of our cities in the Southeast, like Atlanta and Charlotte, struggle with substantial traffic, growing populations and meeting federal air quality standards each year. These newly proposed standards, in addition to the new fuel efficiency standards adopted last year, will help ensure that all vehicles on the road emit less pollution. This means even drivers with older cars will see some benefit. Most importantly, the rules will help improve air quality and public health, preventing tens of thousands of asthma attacks, reducing many thousands of lost work or sick days, and saving billions of dollars that would be lost productivity annually.” # # # Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org