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EPA Rule Slashes Toxics from Gasoline, Vehicles, and Portable Fuel Containers

Release Date: 02/09/2007
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. - Feb. 9, 2007) Toxic fumes from gasoline, vehicles and fuel containers will decrease significantly, further reducing health risks under tough new standards signed today by EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. By 2030, EPA's new Mobile Source Air Toxic (MSAT) regulations and fuel and vehicle standards already in place will reduce toxic emissions from cars to 80 percent below 1999 emissions.

"Americans love their cars. By clearing the air from tons of fuel and exhaust pollution, President Bush and EPA are paving the road toward healthier drivers and a cleaner environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

The MSAT rule toughens benzene standards for gasoline, sets hydrocarbon emissions standards for cars at cold temperatures and tightens fuel containers to prevent the evaporation of harmful fumes.

Once the new standards are fully implemented in 2030, they are expected to reduce emissions of mobile source air toxics annually by 330,000 tons, including 61,000 tons of benzene. EPA estimates annual health benefits from the particulate matter reductions of the vehicle standards to total $6 billion in 2030. The estimated annual cost for the entire rule is about $400 million in 2030.

The new MSAT standards will take effect in 2011 for gasoline, 2010 for cars, and 2009 for fuel containers.

A copy of this final rule is available at: epa.gov/otaq/toxics.htm#regdocs

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