EPA to propose rule to clean up tailpipe pollution

By DINA CAPPIELLO
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration will unveil a proposal Friday to clean up gasoline and automobile emissions, a step that will result in cleaner air across the U.S. But refiners claim it will raise the price of gasoline at the pump.

The EPA estimates the rule to reduce sulfur and tighten emissions standards will increase gas prices by less than a penny per gallon. But the agency says it will yield billions of dollars in health benefits by slashing smog- and soot-forming pollution come 2017.

The oil industry and lawmakers had pressed the EPA to delay the rule, citing higher costs.

A senior administration official said Thursday only 16 of 111 refineries would need to invest in major equipment. That official spoke on condition of anonymity because the rule was still undergoing review.

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