State Winter Oxygenated Fuel Program Requirements for Attainment or Maintenance of CO NAAQS

Oxygenates are fuel additives (alcohols and ethers) that contain oxygen which can boost gasoline’s octane quality, enhance combustion, and reduce exhaust emissions. The term oxygenated gasoline most commonly refers to the wintertime program that reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) from motor vehicles. Although required by the federal Clean Air Act, winter oxygenated gasoline programs are implemented by the states. This section provides information about oxygenated gasoline, winter oxygenated gasoline areas, oxygenates (such as ethanol and MTBE), and health effects testing of oxygenates.

Report: Interagency Assessment of Oxygenated Fuels. (July 2, 1997)
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has released its final report on EPA’s winter oxygenated fuels program. The report is entitled “Interagency Assessment of Oxygenated Fuels” and considers health effects, air quality, fuel economy and engine performance, and ground water and drinking water quality issues.

Requirements

• Alternative Tier 2 Health Effects Testing Requirements for Baseline Gasoline and Non-baseline (oxygenated) Gasoline groups under Section 211(b) of the CAA. Letter to the American Petroleum Institute (API) Test Group Consortium. Examples of oxygenated gasoline groups include methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), alcohols.