Copyright 1999 Denver Publishing Company
DENVER
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS
January 27, 1999, Wednesday
SECTION: Local; Ed. FINAL; Pg. 16A
LENGTH: 403 words
HEADLINE:
LAWMAKERS WORRY ABOUT SULPHUR RULES
BYLINE: Deborah Frazier, News Staff Writer
BODY:
Sen. Wayne Allard and eight other western
Republicans want a special sulphur standard for the region's
oil refineries.
''Since our region and other rural areas depend heavily
on small refineries for fuel supply, the agency must not set fuel
sulphur standards that are excessive,'' the senators wrote Dec.
1, 1998.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to set stiffer
sulphur regulations nationally, based on air-quality needs,
feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The letter was sent to EPA chief Carol
Browner. Sulphur occurs in crude oil at about 340 parts per
million, but processing can drop the level below 20 ppm.
Left in
gasoline, sulphur contributes to air pollution, including the
smog that besmirches Denver's skyline, and makes catalytic converters less
effective, said Vaughn Whatley of the EPA in Denver.
Car makers have
agreed to install cleaner-burning engines in new models.
Allard's letter
stressed the ''adverse impact to small refineries'' and asked that the EPA
impose regional regulations instead of national rules because
of the West's unique situation.
However, Colorado's major refineries -
Conoco and Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, both in Commerce City - aren't small.
And last year, in a settlement with the EPA and the state health
department, Conoco agreed to spend $300,000 to reduce
sulphur emissions by two tons a year.
Allard said he
was most concerned with the estimated $150 a year increase in
gasoline costs for the average driver. Among others signing the
letter were Sens. Orrin Hatch of Utah, Craig Thomas of Wyoming and Conrad Burns
of Montana.
''Gas prices would go up and that would have a
disproportionate impact on Rocky Mountain residents because they drive more,''
said Sean Conway, spokesman for Allard.
''That $150 doesn't
sound like a lot, but if you're working for minimum wage, trying to raise a
family, put food on the table and pay taxes, that $150 could
impact whether the kids get a new pair of shoes.''
A coalition of Western
health, environmental and outdoors groups said lower sulphur
fuel both reduces pollution and ensures the next generation of motor vehicles
hits full potential on reducing emissions.
''The major car makers
realize the nation needs to move ahead on air standards,'' said Vickie Patton of
the Environmental Defense Fund. ''Cars are a major contributor. The West is the
battleground.''
LOAD-DATE: January 29, 1999
