Gasoline combustion results in the formation of engine deposits. The accumulation of deposits, particularly in the orifices of fuel injectors and on intake valves, typically results in increased emissions and reduced engine performance. As fuel injectors replaced carburetors in the 1980's, a number of vehicle manufacturers experienced problems with deposit formation. Detergent additives, which had been available for years to control deposits in carbureted vehicles, were improved to accommodate the new technology. However, their use was voluntary and there were no regulatory standards by which to gauge their effectiveness. Congress recognized the importance of effective detergent additives in minimizing vehicle emissions, and added Section 211(1) in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. It required gasoline to contain detergent additives, effective January 1, 1995, and provided the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to establish specifications for such additives. The regulations at 40 CFR 80 - Subpart G implemented certification requirements for detergents and imposed a variety of recordkeeping and reporting requirements for certain parties involved with detergents, gasoline, or post-refinery component (any gasoline blending stock or any oxygenate which is blended with gasoline subsequent to the gasoline refining process (PRC)). All gasolines must contain certified detergents, with the exception of research, racing, and aviation gasolines.
The EPA maintains a list of certified gasoline detergents at www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels. As of June 2007 there were 393 certified detergents and 18 detergent manufacturers. Most of the certification activity occurred during the early years of the program. In 2006 only 9 detergents were certified. During January-June 2007, 1 detergent was certified.
There are approximately 250 refiners and importers of gasoline, 1350 blenders of detergent into gasoline or PRC, 8000 carriers of gasoline or PRC, 200,000 gasoline retail outlets, and 100,000 fleet facilities which handle gasoline. The program is run by the Transportation and Regional Programs Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA, in Washington, DC.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1655ss06.doc
Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Detergent Gasoline (Detergent Manufacturer Submissions for Certification)