Substitute for House Resolution No. 272

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to review the issue of the number of gasoline types refined across the country and to enact legislation that will sharply reduce the number of gasoline types required to meet local environmental standards.

            Whereas, While there are many factors that are contributing to the recent swift rise in pump prices for gasoline, a significant element is the number of gasoline types refineries must produce to meet environmental standards of various metropolitan regions across the country.  Over the years, federal mandates to improve air quality in areas with problems have resulted in a complicated patchwork of fuel requirements.  The large number of fuels is also the result of the strategies individual states have developed to meet federal standards; and

            Whereas, While the goals of cleaner air are important challenges that must be met, it seems inefficient on many levels for refineries to have to develop, produce, and deliver so many different types of gasoline.  In the Midwest alone, at least seven types of fuel must be made.  The impact of these requirements is to raise costs, delay production, disrupt distribution, and reduce the supply.  These problems, as Michigan has learned all too well, become far more severe when any unforeseen events, such as a gasoline pipeline accident or a refinery fire, take place; and

            Whereas, Although the ultimate goal of a single gasoline type for the entire country at any given time may not be attainable because of the enormous variations in geographical and climatic conditions across America, requiring the country to sharply reduce the number of gasoline types can bring great benefits.  In addition, using cleaner fuels may enhance air quality not only in ozone nonattainment areas, but everywhere; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to review the issue of the number of gasoline types refined across the country and to enact legislation that will sharply reduce the number of gasoline types required to meet local environmental standards; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

R 0534 '04(H-2)