EPA Finalizes Tier 3 Gasoline Standards

Good news! The EPA revealed a new set of regulations on March 3rd addressing vehicle emission standards and sulfur dioxide emissions from gasoline. The Tier 3 regulations will have a significant impact on vehicle emissions throughout the US. Tier 3 is an extension of Tier 2 from 2000, and will go into effect in 2017. This new set of regulations requires refineries to cut sulfur in gasoline from current standards of 30 parts per million to 10 parts per million. Tier 3 also includes phase-out changes in vehicle tail-pipe standards starting with models made in 2017. The EPA expects that this will reduce non-methane gas emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%, and particulate matter emissions by 70%. Tier 3 will help states reach national air quality standards, save the country $6.7 billion to $19 billion worth of health costs, and prevent up to 2,000 premature deaths per year. Earth Day Network has supported the implementation of the Tier 3 standards through A Billion Acts of Green®. We would like to give a big shout-out to all the activists who sent letters supporting the effort. Tier 3 has become a reality with your help! We are incredibly grateful for all of your hard work! Don’t forget to check out our A Billion Acts of Green page to find more ways you can make a difference!