WASHINGTON, May 21, 2013 – API Downstream Group Director Bob Greco said EPA will be in violation of the Clean Air Act by limiting public comment on its proposed Tier 3 rules for gasoline and urged EPA to immediately extend the comment period to allow for meaningful comments on the 600+ page proposal.

“EPA is cramming through unnecessary new regulations for gasoline that could drive up costs without providing significant environmental benefits,” Greco said. “By limiting public comments, EPA is trying to skirt public participation and transparency in the rulemaking process.”

Greco said that API asked EPA to follow standard Clean Air Act procedures by allowing for adequate time for public review. However, EPA’s proposal—published in the Federal Register today—provides for only 23 days of public review and comment.

“Unfortunately, Tier 3 is not the only new regulation EPA has in mind for gasoline,” Greco said. “There is an onslaught of federal regulations coming out of the EPA that could put upward pressure on gasoline prices. American consumers deserve better from our government."

The Tier 3 rule could significantly increase the cost to produce gasoline, according to a study by Baker O’Brien, and provide little or no environmental benefit, according to a report by ENVIRON.

Greco said that current regulations are working and that most sulfur in gasoline has already been removed. He said there’s 90 percent less sulfur in gasoline today compared to a decade ago and that air quality will continue to improve under the existing standard.

API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America’s technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 500 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $85 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.