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Basic Information
The Tier 2 Vehicle and Gasoline Sulfur Program is the result of a collaborative effort by a wide range of stakeholders. EPA worked closely with auto companies, oil companies, states, public health and environmental organizations, and others to design a stringent but balanced program that all key stakeholders could support.
Compared to Model Year 2003 and earlier, vehicles meeting the Tier 2 emission standards are much cleaner -- 77% to 95% cleaner, depending on the size of the vehicle. The very large health and environmental benefits of the program are estimated to total more than $25 billion at a cost to consumers of between only $70 to $250 per vehicle, and less than 2 cents per gallon of gasoline. With these cleaner vehicles, consumers will not experience any change in the performance or product selection of vehicles and fuels. Over the past few years, auto manufacturers have successfully worked to meet these stringent standards. In fact, for Model Year 2004, more clean vehicles will be sold than the EPA program requires.
The key to meeting the stringent Tier 2 emission standards in such a short time has been the large reduction in sulfur levels in gasoline. Sulfur in the fuel impairs the effectiveness of vehicle emission control systems. By removing most of the sulfur from gasoline, oil refiners are helping the new emission controls work longer and more efficiently. Average national gasoline sulfur levels are already declining, and by 2006 will be 90% lower than before the program. Sulfur in gasoline has no fuel value, in fact it can damage sensitive components such as onboard diagnostics systems and fuel injection systems. As a result, even vehicles manufactured prior to the 2004 Model Year will benefit from using low-sulfur fuel.
For further information or assistance regarding this Web page, please contact the ASD Information Line at (734) 214-4636 or email: asdinfo@epa.gov .