Calif. Sets '06 Deadline for Sulfur Requirement

he California Air Resources Board said it will allow only ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel to be sold in the state beginning in 2006, unlike the rest of the country in which two kinds of diesel would be available until 2010.

“Less sulfur will of itself mean less pollution, but even more important the new fuel will allow advanced technology emissions control devices to be installed on diesel engines,” said CARB Chairman Dr. Alan Lloyd in a July 24 announcement.

Refiners in the state will be required to produce diesel with no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur for both on-road and off-road use, CARB said. The ultra-low-sulfur fuel, known as ULSD, is already being sold in 500 Arco AMPM stations in the Los Angeles area and has been credited by the Engine Manufacturers Association with helping engines achieve mandated emission goals and for prolonging engine life.

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