ULSD timeline
Information from Industrial Info Resources:
Dept. of Energy regulations lowered sulfur content from 5,000 ppm to 500 (LSD) ppm. Then newer regulations require 15 ppm (ULSD) by 2006 - June
Today - Refineries have met the objective of 15 ppm, but also continue to make 500 ppm diesel. ULSD requires additives to improve engine performance. The additive most often used is 5% biodiesel.
2006 - June, Refiners are required to insure that at least 80% of the volume of the highway diesel they produce is ULSD.
2006 - Sept. ULSD must reach distribution and marketing points.
2006 - 2010 LSD may still be sold at retail locations. Although ULSD will be the dominate highway diesel fuel produced. However the EPA does NOT require service stations to sell ULSD.
Owners of 2007 models must use ONLY ULSD fuel. Earlier models can use either fuel. (I'll use the least expensive - if given the option)
2010 - Dec. ONLY ULSD fuel will be available for highway use.
2012- Jan. ONLY ULSD fuel can be used for off road uses - i. e. locomotives, marine and construction.