EPA Proposes Cleaner Fuel Standards, Critics Say It Adds Costs At the Pump

Marie Cusick

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Marie Cusick was the Harrisburg reporter for StateImpact Pennsylvania.

March 29, 2013 | 2:14 PM

The EPA's proposed standards will reduce gasoline sulfur levels by more than 60 percent by 2017.

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new fuel and car standards that would reduce the amount of sulfur levels in gasoline by 60 percent by 2017.
According to The Washington Post, the oil industry and its allies in Congress have criticized the proposal, arguing it could cause gas prices to rise between 2 and 9 cents per gallon.

The regulations are supported by environmental advocates, state regulators and even automobile companies, who would prefer uniform sulfur standards for fuel nationwide. Opponents say it will cost up to $10 billion to upgrade refineries and an additional $2.4 billion in annual operating costs.

The EPA says it worked closely with automakers as well as the oil and gas industry to develop the new standards. The agency estimates the proposal will save up to $7 in health benefits for every $1 spent complying with the new rules.
“Today’s proposed standards – which will save thousands of lives and protect the most vulnerable — are the next step in our work to protect public health and will provide the automotive industry with the certainty they need to offer the same car models in all 50 states,” said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe in a statement.