Issues Concerning The Use Of Mtbe In Reformulated Gasoline

Summarizes: results of fed. and other studies on the cost-effectiveness of using Reformulated Gasoline (RG) compared to other measures to control auto emissions and compares the price estimates used in the studies; results of studies estimating the potential for oxygenates to reduce the use of petroleum; ongoing fed. research into biofuels, including any past or projected cost-reduction goals and any increased demand estimates based on such research goals; results of studies that estimate the potential for RG to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gasoline.

The Committee on Ozone-Forming Potential for Reformulated Gasoline was asked whether the existing body of scientific and technical information is sufficient to permit a robust evaluation and comparison of the emissions from motor vehicles using different reformulated gasolines based on their ozone-forming potentials and to assess the concomitant impact of that approach on air-quality benefits of the use of oxygenates within the RFG program. As part of its charge, the committee was asked to consider (1) the technical soundness of various approaches for evaluating and comparing the relative ozone-forming potentials of RFG blends, (2) technical aspects of various air-quality issues related to RFG assessment, and (3) the sensitivity of evaluations of the relative ozone-forming potentials to factors related to fuel properties and the variability of vehicle technologies and driving patterns.