All News Releases By Date

Cleaner Air in Middle Georgia Anticipated with Transition to Clean Diesel

Release Date: 10/26/2006
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

(Atlanta, Ga. – October 26, 2006) EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg will join state and local officials in heralding the smooth transition to cleaner-burning diesel at service stations in the middle Georgia area. This action was completed before the October 15, 2006 deadline for retail compliance.

Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is a key component to EPA's strategy to continue ensuring clean air for American citizens. Clean diesel fuel also is the most far-reaching environmental and public health achievement since lead was removed from gasoline a generation ago. On June 1, refiners and fuel importers were required to start producing ULSD, which contains 15 ppm sulfur, down from 500 ppm. The roll-out of clean diesel fuel is smart environmental and fiscal policy. When fully applied, clean diesel fuels and engines will result in more than $70 billion annually in environmental and public health benefits at a fraction of the cost ($4 billion per year). Expanded use of ULSD also will enhance energy security since diesels tend to be more fuel efficient than gasoline engines.


WHAT: Ceremony to mark the smooth transition to cleaner burning diesel at service stations in the middle Georgia area

WHO: EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg; Bibb County Chairman Charlie Bishop; City of Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis; Bibb County Board of Education Superintendent Sharon Patterson; Davis Oil Company Alternative Fuel Manager Dennis Burnett; Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition President Dr. Linda Smyth; and Georgia Environmental Protection Division Unit Manager for Inspection and Maintenance William Cook

WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Third Street Park (next to the Wachovia Building)
Corner of 3rd and Mulberry St.
Macon, Georgia