Global Automakers Responds to EPA's Tier 3 and Market Gasoline Proposed Standards

WASHINGTON--March 29, 2013: The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) and its member companies are pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed rules for Tier 3 vehicle emissions and gasoline standards.

"We have been anxiously awaiting this rulemaking because it is good for the environment and will help harmonize the federal and California programs for both vehicles and fuels," said Michael J. Stanton, president and CEO of Global Automakers.

Global Automakers believes the proposed EPA fuel standards are especially important because a nation-wide supply of clean, ultra-low sulfur gasoline will enable automakers to meet new and highly stringent vehicle emissions standards, which are also included in the proposed rule and expected to mirror the California LEV III standards.  Ultra-low sulfur gasoline is also critical to automobile manufacturer efforts to meet the combined 54.5 MPG fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standard by 2025, as mandated by federal and California law.  Additionally, the ultra-low sulfur fuel will provide immediate, substantial public health benefits from the existing legacy fleet of nearly 250 million vehicles.  According to the National Association of Clean Air Agencies, the impact on the legacy fleet is equivalent in emissions impact to taking over 30 million vehicles off the road.

"With 15 million new vehicle sales a year, automakers need predictable national fuel quality at the retail pump," said Stanton.   "Ultra-low sulfur gasoline is already available in California, Europe, and Japan and will enable automakers to use a broader range of technologies to meet the significant environmental challenges facing the industry."