To meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the petroleum industry is now producing a new Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. A major reduction in the sulfur content of diesel fuel was indeed necessary. The emission levels from diesel engines and vehicles had to be reduced to keep the air quality safe. This new fuel is a cleaner-burning diesel fuel containing a maximum of 15 parts-per-million (ppm) sulfur.
By December 1, 2010, all highway diesel fuel offered for sale must be ULSD fuel. At the present, at least 80 percent of the highway diesel produced or imported is now ULSD fuel. It will be replacing most Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuel, which contains a maximum of 500 ppm sulfur (quite a difference). Used in combination with cleaner-burning diesel engines and vehicles, ULSD fuel is improving air quality by significantly reducing emissions. Both ULSD fuel and LSD fuel will be available through 2010.
Environmentally speaking, this was extremely necessary. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the United States. As more and more people are driving and transportation demands increase, the air quality has to be improved. The ULSD fuel along with new engine and emission control system technology advances on vehicles have an important role in improving air quality and providing human health benefits.
The current heavy-duty vehicle fleet is expected to be completely replaced in 2030. Emission reductions will be equivalent to removing the pollution from more than 90 percent of today’s trucks and buses annually. Engine manufacturers show that the use of advanced emissions control devices reduces emissions of both hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (precursors of ozone) to near-zero levels.
With children and the elderly among those most at risk, EPA studies have concluded that ozone and particulate matter cause a range of health problems, including those related to breathing, such as asthma attacks and premature mortality. Certainly with this program engaged, there will be significant health benefits.
Since diesel-powered vehicles tend to be more fuel efficient than gasoline-powered vehicles, an additional benefit for some will be economical when at the pump with the new ULSD fuel.
New EPA fuel standards for diesel fuel also apply to non-road ULSD fuel used in locomotive, marine and non-road engines and equipment, such as farm or construction equipment.
Oil Companies like Triple Diamond Energy Corporation have been producing at their refineries this new ULSD fuel along with the LSD fuel until the total switch is transferred.
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