What is Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel?
Ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) is diesel fuel that contains no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur. Because sulfur clogs pollution control devices known as particulate matter filters or particulate traps, EPA is requiring that ULSD be available nationwide beginning in 2006. This cleaner diesel fuel will be available before the new trucks and buses that meet EPA’s 2007 emisson standards debut on our nation’s roadways. Significant pollution reductions from existing diesel trucks and buses can be achieved by using ULSD in combination with emission particulate traps. This combination can result in up to a 90 percent reduction in emissions of particulate matter. However, some case studies suggest that the use of ULSD alone can reduce emissions of particulate matter between 10-20 percent. Although not available nationwide, ULSD is available today in parts of the Northeast.
