Long-delayed EPA gasoline pollution rules set for Friday debut

The Environmental Protection Agency will unveil draft low-sulfur gasoline and vehicle emissions rules Friday, according to a news report and a source familiar with the plan.

{mosads}Public health advocates have long pressed for the so-called Tier 3 standards, which have faced major delays, while refining industry groups say they will impose major and unnecessary costs.

The Washington Post, citing sources briefed on the topic, reports EPA would roll out the proposed rules to cut the sulfur content of gasoline by two-thirds and set tougher vehicle pollution standards by 2017.

A source familiar with the rule confirmed to The Hill that it’s expected to be unveiled Friday.

Environmental groups say the rules will provide important cuts in smog-forming emissions.

The
rules could “prevent tens of thousands of asthma attacks and save
thousands of lives every year,” according to the American Lung
Association.

The rules have support from automakers, who recently urged the White House Office of Management and Budget to allow the measure to go forward.

But oil industry groups note existing rules have already led to major cuts in gasoline sulfur content, and say forcing further reductions is unneeded.

They say new mandates will force billions of dollars in capital expenditures and add to the cost of gasoline while providing little benefit.

This post was updated at 5:33 p.m.