GUEST COMMENT CHET THOMPSON PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN FUEL & PETROCHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS (AFPM)
C
biofuel producers to ars and trucks today are twice as efficient come together. as vehicles from the 1970s. They are 99% The policy’s cleaner for common pollutants, emit half neutrality toward the carbon, and are 75% more powerful. This octane sources means record is a testament to the ingenuity of auto makers, it can work for all 50 US states, including those with the fuel producers, and petrochemical manufacturers who toughest fuel and air quality standards. have used lightweight advanced plastics, low-viscosity It’s critically important that we have a long-term lubricants, and other technologies to advance us leaps liquid fuel strategy to reduce vehicle emissions. More and bounds in the direction of better vehicle efficiency. This progress should be celebrated and furthered. than 85% of drivers in the US want their next vehicle to Like our customers, the be one that runs on gasoline men and women who work or diesel fuel (69% want a in refining and petrochemical pure internal combustion manufacturing want even engine vehicle and 17% note The best and brightest better performance from our a preference for hybrids, cars. while 5% say they’d like to from the refining and For years now, AFPM purchase an EV).1 At the same petrochemical industries time, we’ve noted drivers and our members have been also want better mileage and advocating for reforms to have their eyes set cleaner cars. the Renewable Fuel Standard on reducing emissions Thankfully, programme, coupled with environmental progress is a nationwide 95 RON from every facet of not at odds with consumer high-octane fuel standard. transportation, from our preference because 95 RON The value proposition of this is a way to meet both policy for drivers and the operations, and our end needs. The policy will deliver environment is what makes essential carbon reduction the 95 RON approach so products. at lower cost to consumers exceptional. than technology-forcing In the first year of alternatives. implementation, the use of The best and brightest from the refining and a new high-octane gasoline in vehicles designed with petrochemical industries have their eyes set on reducing higher compression engines would reduce vehicle CO2 emissions by 1.23 million t – the equivalent reduction of emissions from every facet of transportation, from nearly a million electric vehicles (EVs), but at a fraction of our operations, and our end products. Along with the the cost. renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel that For drivers, this would mean no compromising on refiners are producing in record volumes, and the comfort or convenience for the sake of better vehicle petrochemical body components reducing weight performance. A range of family-sized cars and trucks while keeping drivers and passengers safe, 95 RON is designed to run on 95 RON high-octane fuel will fit an affordable, fuel-based answer for family drivers and within their budgets, and they’ll be able to travel farther commuters around the US. There is no better approach and cleaner on each gallon of gas. for consumers, refiners, liquid fuel producers, our For farmers and biofuel producers, a 95 RON standard economy, and the environment. will create opportunity for American-grown ethanol since it is so often the most affordable source of octane in the 1. '2022 Global Automative Consumer Study', Deloitte, market. 95 RON creates a rare opportunity for refiners and (January 2022). HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
7
March 2022
