Overview

New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards require a major reduction in the sulfur content of diesel fuels and emission levels from diesel engines and vehicles. To meet the EPA standards, the petroleum industry is producing Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, a cleaner-burning diesel fuel containing a maximum 15 parts-per-million (ppm) sulfur.

By June 1, 2006, 80 percent of the highway diesel fuel produced or imported will be ULSD fuel replacing most Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) fuel, which contains a maximum of 500 ppm sulfur. Used in combination with cleaner-burning diesel engines and vehicles, ULSD fuel will help to improve air quality by significantly reducing emissions. By December 1, 2010, all highway diesel fuel offered for sale must be ULSD fuel.

Between 2006 and 2010, both ULSD fuel and Low Sulfur Diesel fuel will be available. Some retail outlets will sell ULSD fuel, others Low Sulfur Diesel fuel, and some will sell both.

ULSD fuel will burn cleaner in both existing diesel engines and in the new highway diesel engines and vehicles that will be equipped with advanced emissions control systems beginning with the 2007 model year.

The new EPA requirements for ULSD fuel for highway diesel fuel will be predominantly implemented by mid-2006.

EPA fuel standards for locomotive, marine and non-road diesel fuel engines and equipment, such as farm and construction equipment, will become effective at dates later than those for highway vehicles (except in California).

Many public and private organizations are collaborating through the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance to facilitate the introduction of ULSD fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), engine, vehicle and component manufacturers, all sectors of the petroleum industry, and fuel consumers, such as truckers, are providing comprehensive information and technical coordination. Click here for a complete list of participating organizations regarding ULSD fuel.