Feb. 9, 2007—EPA Rules to Cap Benzene Emissions

PORTLAND, Ore.—Feb. 9, 2007— Responding to citizen concerns and pressure from Oregon’s lawmakers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today ruled to change its benzene rules. The decision imposes a cap on the amount of allowable benzene levels in gasoline.

The rule proposed by the EPA would have established a national average for benzene allowed in gasoline, but would not have set a maximum level for the toxic pollutant. The disparity in the resulting emissions would have potentially exposed residents of Oregon and Washington to higher concentrations of benzene than residents in any other part of the country.

Because benzene has very real, localized health impacts, a trading scheme that lacked a cap on the total amount of benzene allowed would not have protected human health and had been vigorously opposed by the Oregon Environmental Council.

“We are ecstatic that the EPA has ruled in favor of protecting citizens in all corners of the nation, and especially here in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Chris Hagerbaumer, OEC’s director of programs.  “We applaud our lawmakers and urge them to pass three similar air quality bills that will further protect the health of Oregonians statewide.”

There are three bills on the docket during the current legislative session in Salem that will also help lower benzene emissions and improve Oregon’s air quality.

House Bill 2172 will provide grants, loans and tax credits for the purchase of cleaner diesel engines, the scrapping of old diesel engines, and the upgrade of existing engines with clean diesel technology, with an emphasis on cleaning up school buses. 

Senate Bill 338 will provide grants and regulations to replace old, uncertified woodstoves with cleaner options that reduce benzene emissions by 25% compared to uncertified stoves.

House Bill 2210 will result in greater use of cleaner, renewable fuels, including biodiesel and ethanol. According to the EPA Complex Model, a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline can reduce benzene emissions by 25% compared to conventional gasoline.

About the Oregon Environmental Council

Founded in 1968, The Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with members throughout the state. We bring Oregonians together for a healthy environment. Through programs such as the Bottle Bill, curbside recycling and the creation of local watershed councils, OEC has played a leadership role in helping Oregonians be part of the solution to environmental problems. Our current programs focus on protecting kids’ health from toxic pollution, cleaning up Oregon’s rivers, slowing global warming, and building a sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.oeconline.org.

For More Information:
Oregon Environmental Council
Jeremy Graybill, Communications Director
503-222-1963 ext. 111
jeremyg@oeconline.org

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