EPA Sets Tougher 'Tier 3' Standards for Vehicle Emissions and Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency is implementing its new “Tier 3” vehicle emissions and fuel standards, in a final rule that will take effect in stages through 2017. EPA says the final rule will reduce both tailpipe and evaporative emissions from passenger cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles, and some heavy-duty vehicles. It also mandates a reduction of gasoline sulfur content from the current 30 parts per million (ppm) average down to a 10 ppm average.