Gasoline

Over the past decade there has been considerable effort by government and industry directed towards providing cleaner gasoline for Canadians. Initiatives include the removal of lead and reductions of summer vapour pressure, benzene and sulphur levels. Many of the recent federal initiatives on gasoline were developed further to the recommendations of the CCME Task Force on Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels (October 1995) and as part of the process to determine an appropriate level of sulphur in gasoline and diesel.

The Benzene in Gasoline Regulations took effect in July 1999 and prohibit the supply of gasoline containing more than 1% benzene by volume. The regulations also prohibit the sale of gasoline that contains benzene at a concentration that exceeds 1.5% by volume. Suppliers of gasoline may elect to meet the requirements for benzene or the benzene emissions number on the basis of annual average limits. More on the Benzene in Gasoline Regulations

The federal Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations took effect July 2002 and require an average gasoline sulphur concentration of 150 mg/kg as of July 2002 and 30 mg/kg as of January 2005. More on the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations.

The federal Minister of Environment's Notice of Intent on Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels (February 2001) set out a ten year federal agenda. Action on future standards for gasoline includes a voluntary survey on gasoline quality in respect of the Driveability Index. As part of the Notice of Intent, a report was prepared on the use and releases of MTBE (a gasoline additive). This report is also available in PDF format. More on the Notice of Intent on Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels.

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