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Setting national fuel quality standards - Discussion paper 2
Environment Australia, 2000
An evaluation of the objective, and desired outcomes, of changes to fuel quality specifications is necessary before any changes are proposed – or mandated.
There are a variety of fuel properties that can be more tightly managed to bring about improvements in the environmental performance of the transport sector. Informed public debate is necessary to ascertain how these parameters are best managed. This involves decisions relating to both the level at which they are managed – nationally or at the airshed (effectively State or Territory) level; and the specifications which are set for each parameter.
In evaluating outcomes, consideration needs to be given to a diverse range of policy drivers, as in many instances compromises and trade-offs may be necessary between differing requirements. This is as likely between common interests (such as reducing both noxious and greenhouse emissions), as between competing interests (such as environmental protection and competition requirements).
It also needs to be recognised that the debate is taking place within pre-determined boundaries. A number of existing policy decisions effectively pre-empt certain decisions in relation to specific fuel parameters. They also strongly influence the timing of the introduction of new fuel specifications.
The paper presents an assessment of, and recommended content limits for, those fuel parameters identified as significant in managing transport-sourced emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
This discussion paper is one of several discussion papers made available for public consultation to work towards setting national fuel quality standards. This discussion paper is now closed for public comment.
More information: Fuel quality standards