All News Releases By Date

PA EPA GETS GASOLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Release Date: 06/28/96
Contact Information:

PA EPA GETS GASOLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1996

EPA SETS GASOLINE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

EPA has finalized a gasoline detergent certification program to ensure that an effective level of protection is provided against deposits on intake valves and fuel injectors. The program becomes effective for detergent manufacturers and upstream distributors on July 1, 1997, and at the retail level on Aug. 1, 1997. Detergents are required in both highway and off-road gasoline, including leaded gasoline used in nonroad engines. The program requires a concentration of detergent in gasoline no less than the amount used to meet deposit control performance standards in standardized vehicle tests using specified test fuels. Gasoline detergents help prevent engine and fuel supply deposits which can significantly effect driveability, exhaust emissions and fuel economy. The Agency said while most major U.S. marketers have added some detergent to their gasoline for a number of years, the certification program is expected to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen by a total of about 600,000 tons per year. EPA also said the cost of the detergent for the average motorist should be about a dollar or two per year. Part of that amount would be offset by savings in fuel economy and vehicle maintenance. A complete copy of this program is available on the Agency's bulletin board at 9l9-541-5742. For additional assistance, call the system operator at 919-542-5384.