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October 18, 2000 10:46 AM, EDT

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency beat back congressional and industry critics who are opposed to the government setting an ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel standard for 2006.

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Language to delay its implementation was stripped from the EPA’s appropriations bill, which could get congressional approval at anytime. The American Petroleum Institute and a major diesel engine manufacturer, Cummins Inc., sought the postponement, predicting severe consequences if the reduced-sulfur mandate is allowed to go ahead on schedule.

The clean-air rule is expected to cost trucking companies more at the pump.

EPA said it would issue its final rule by the end of the year. The proposal would allow for no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur in diesel fuel sold starting June 1, 2006. The fuel must be available by then, but it could be several years more until every truck stop in the country stocks it, citics say, if supply and distribution problems materialize.

For the full story, see the Oct. 16 print edition of Transport Topics. .