Commission requests opinions on sulphur content in fuel
Margot Wallström, European Commissioner for the Environment, launched a 'Call for evidence' on 21 November regarding the appropriate level for the sulphur content of petrol and diesel used in the Community. The initiative follows the publication of a report prepared for the Environment DG which indicated that there may be a need for fuel with a sulphur content of lower than 50 parts per million, the proportion currently specified in Community legislation. Factors such as technological developments in the automotive industry, particularly with respect to diesel and petrol-fuelled engines and their emission abatement technologies, could help in achieving this. Such a move would also fulfil a desire to reduce environmental damage. DG Environment is announcing this call for evidence in order to consult on whether petrol and diesel containing less than 50 parts per million of sulphur should be marketed on a Community-wide basis, and whether this should be reflected in the future proposal to amend the directive establishing the current maximum permissible sulphur content. Those consulted directly by the DG include the Member States of the EU, the countries of the EEA (European Economic Area) and a multitude of organisations dealing with the automotive industry, transport and the environment. Submitted contributions will be synthesised and reviewed by a panel of independent experts. The Commission will then offer a proposal to amend the current legislation in respect to the present fuel parameters and, if appropriate, the sulphur content of petrol and diesel.