(VCCEP) Tier 1 Pilot Submission for BENZENE - Tera

passenger vehicles operated at cold temperatures (under 75 degrees F); and (3) by reducing
emissions that evaporate from, and permeate through, portable gasoline containers (gas cans).”
EPA Fact Sheet: Control of Hazardous Air Pollutants from Mobile Sources, Office of
Transportation and Air Quality, EPA420-F-06-021 (Feb. 2006). Beginning in 2011, refiners
would be required to lower average benzene content to 0.62 percent, down from today’s
average of 0.97 percent. See id.
EPA projects “annual nationwide benzene reductions of 35,000 tons in 2015, increasing to
65,000 tons by 2030.” 71 Fed. Reg. 15803. As a result, “[p]assenger vehicles in 2030 would
emit 45% less benzene;” “[g]as cans … would emit almost 80% less benzene;” and “[g]asoline
would have 37% less benzene overall.” 71 Fed. Reg. 15803.
Table 4.1: Timeline of Mobile-Source Regulatory Actions that Resulted in
Reductions of VOCs in Emissions
Year Description
1970
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 set the first standards for emissions from motor
vehicles. The standards are phased in over the next 5 years.
1971 New cars must meet evaporative emissions standards for the first time.
1975 New cars are required to use catalytic converters.
1981 New cars meet the amended Clean Air Act standards for the first time.
1983 Second-generation catalytic converters required for new cars.
1983
First inspection and maintenance programs established in areas with air pollution
problems.
1989 EPA sets first fuel volatility limits aimed at reducing evaporative emissions.
1990
Benzene VCCEP Submission
March 2006
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 require further reductions in hydrocarbons, lower
tailpipe standards, more stringent emission testing procedures, expanded I/M programs,
new vehicle technologies, and clean fuels programs.
California adopts a low emission vehicle (“LEV”) program.
1991 EPA establishes lower tailpipe standards for hydrocarbons.
1992
1994
1995
1996
Winter oxygenated fuel program begins in cities with high carbon monoxide levels.
California has a similar "Phase I gasoline" program (oxygenated fuel required to limit
carbon monoxide emissions also has a lower hydrocarbon content).
Progressive introduction begins of national Tier 1 emission limits for light duty vehicles.
On-board diagnostic systems become a requirement for light duty vehicles and trucks.
Phase I RFG is required to be sold in areas of ozone non-attainment (Phase I RFG has
lower volatility, and contains oxygenated compounds and lower benzene). California
transitional gasoline introduced as a transition from Phase I to Phase II RFG.
California Phase II RFG is introduced. (Phase II RFG has reduced vapor pressure and
lower hydrocarbon and benzene content.)
National Tier 1 emission limits introduced progressively from 1996 for light duty trucks.
Phase-in begins of revised procedures and limits for evaporative emissions for light and
heavy-duty vehicles.
Dispensing rates for gasoline and methanol pumps are regulated.
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