Gasoline Sulfur

What's New

Effective on January 1, 2006, the per-gallon sulfur cap for gasoline produced at most refineries dropped to 80 ppm. The per-gallon sulfur cap for some gasoline in the Rocky Mountain area dropped to 80 ppm on January 1, 2007; this standard does not apply to all gasoline because there are different regulations for some gasoline in the Rocky Mountain area and small refiners.

NPRA Position

NPRA’s members are dedicated to working cooperatively with government at all levels to ensure an adequate supply of transportation fuels. Policymakers’ actions should focus on improving energy policy in order to increase supply and strengthen the nation’s refining infrastructure.

NPRA's focus on the EPA gasoline sulfur reduction program is to assist our members with implementation of the program.

Background

The final gasoline sulfur rule was announced by President Clinton on December 21, 1999, and published formally a few weeks later (see 65 FR 6698; 2/10/00). This includes stringent new light-duty vehicle emissions standards and significant reductions in the sulfur content of gasoline.

On January 1, 2004, the first phase of the EPA low sulfur gasoline regulations were effective. The phase-in of these standards was completed in 2006 for most refineries and importers. In 2006, specifications for gasoline content changed from the previous 500 ppm sulfur ceiling for RFG outside of California to a required 30 ppm annual average and a per-gallon cap of 80 ppm for most gasoline (with some delays for gasoline produced in the Rocky Mountain area or produced by small refiners).

Click here for more information.