Clean Gasoline Act of 1998
Latest action (30 Jul 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
The Clean Gasoline Act of 1998 would amend the Clean Air Act to limit the amount of sulfur allowed in gasoline used in motor vehicles nationwide. Beginning four years after enactment, gasoline could not contain more than 40 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur per gallon, though a supplier could meet an alternative standard by keeping annual average sulfur content below 30 ppm while allowing some batches up to 80 ppm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be authorized to set even lower sulfur limits in the future if new research shows air-quality benefits or if advanced vehicle technologies require cleaner fuel. Existing Clean Air Act penalty and injunction provisions would apply to violations of the new sulfur limits. The EPA would also be required to report to Congress on the air-quality effects of low-sulfur gasoline six and eight years after enactment.
The bill would primarily affect gasoline refiners, suppliers, and distributors, who would need to meet the new sulfur standards, and indirectly affect motor vehicle owners and the public through anticipated reductions in vehicle emissions and improved air quality.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 1998, by Senator Daniel Moynihan and several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Clean Gasoline Act of 1998 - Amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture, sale, supply, dispensation, transport, or introduction into commerce of motor vehicle gasoline that contains a concentration of sulfur exceeding 40 parts per million per gallon of gasoline. Provides that a person shall not be in violation of such prohibition if, during a one-year period, the person engages in such an activity with respect to gasoline that contains a sulfur concentration between 40 and 80 parts per million per gallon if the average concentration of sulfur in the gasoline during the period is less than 30 parts per million per gallon. Authorizes the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to establish maximum and average allowable sulfur concentrations in motor vehicle gasoline that are lower than such concentrations if: (1) research conducted after this Act's enactment indicates that significant air quality benefits would result from a reduction in allowable sulfur concentration in such gasoline; or (2) advanced vehicle technologies have been developed that can significantly reduce emissions of air pollutants from motor vehicles but that require gasoline with a lower concentration of sulfur than that specified under this Act. Prescribes penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Administrator to report to the Congress on the effects of the use of low sulfur motor vehicle gasoline on urban and regional air quality within six and eight years of this Act's enactment date.
Common questions
- What does S. 2377 do?
- The Clean Gasoline Act of 1998 would amend the Clean Air Act to limit the amount of sulfur allowed in gasoline used in motor vehicles nationwide. Beginning four years after enactment, gasoline could not contain more than 40 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur per gallon, though a supplier could meet an alternative standard by keeping annual average sulfur content below 30 ppm while allowing some batches up to 80 ppm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be authorized to set even lower sulfur limits in the future if new research shows air-quality benefits or if advanced vehicle technologies require cleaner fuel. Existing Clean Air Act penalty and injunction provisions would apply to violations of the new sulfur limits. The EPA would also be required to report to Congress on the air-quality effects of low-sulfur gasoline six and eight years after enactment. The bill would primarily affect gasoline refiners, suppliers, and distributors, who would need to meet the new sulfur standards, and indirectly affect motor vehicle owners and the public through anticipated reductions in vehicle emissions and improved air quality. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 30, 1998, by Senator Daniel Moynihan and several cosponsors, and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress.
- Has S. 2377 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 1998, S. 2377 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2377?
- S. 2377 was sponsored by Sen. Daniel Moynihan [D-NY, 1977-2000] (Democrat-NY), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2377?
- Introduced (30 Jul 1998).
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