Rhode Island House Bill H7849

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/22
• Refer: 3/4/22

Caption

Relating To Motor And Other Vehicles

Impact

The introduction of H7849 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning fuel standards and air quality. By instituting LED standards, the bill aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel fuel, which account for air pollution and associated health risks. This legislative move aligns with state and national efforts to enhance air quality and mitigate the detrimental effects of vehicular emissions. However, producers will be required to undertake additional compliance measures, such as maintaining records, submitting logs, and gaining approval for emission reduction strategies, increasing the regulatory burden on the diesel fuel industry.

Summary

House Bill H7849 seeks to regulate the control of air pollution from motor vehicles by establishing low emission diesel (LED) standards for diesel fuel used in compression-ignition engines. It mandates that no person may sell, supply, or transfer diesel fuel unless it meets specific LED standards regarding aromatic hydrocarbon content and cetane number. The bill also establishes registration requirements for producers and importers of diesel fuel, ensuring compliance with low emission standards and emission reduction plans approved by the environmental authorities.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding H7849 is its potential economic implications for local diesel producers and suppliers. Critics may argue that the stringent requirements could lead to increased costs of production and compliance, which might be passed on to consumers. Furthermore, concerns about the feasibility of meeting LED standards and the possible impact on the market for conventional diesel fuel could provoke debate among stakeholders, including environmental groups advocating for cleaner fuel and industry representatives wary of operational disruptions.