USW Supports EPA Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program
The United Steelworkers (USW) announced its support for the finalization of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards Program.
The regulations will reduce the amount of sulfur in fuel, lowering toxic pollutants in vehicle exhaust.
“These regulations will place the United States in the forefront of emissions controls with USW members continuing as leaders in building these technologies,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “Our members have helped to eliminate over 40 billion tons of carbon monoxide from entering the air we breathe.
Once implemented, the regulations are designed to ensure lower sulfur levels in gasoline and eliminate millions of tons of pollutants from the air.
As part of the process, the union had to consider its diverse membership that includes refinery workers in weighing support for the regulations. The ability of refineries to comply with the regulations at a significantly lower cost than originally anticipated was critical.
“Nearly 90 percent of refineries can either comply with the regulations tomorrow, make operational changes or revamp to comply in less than two years,” said USW international Vice President Gary Beevers, who heads the union’s oil sector.
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors.
More at: www.usw.org.
Category: General Update
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