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Taitague wants to close loophole on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel law
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Posted on Jan 21 2019
GUAM—Guam Sen. Telo Taitague filed Bill 25 to close a loophole in Guam’s Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Fuel Standard Law (P.L. 30-184), which was recently brought to her attention. The now eight-year old policy requires all diesel fuel—imported to Guam for the purpose of sale and distribution—to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Guam law recognizes fuel containing fifteen parts per million (15ppm) or less of sulfur content as ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
However, P.L. 30-184 doesn’t cover waste oil that’s reprocessed and may be used for power generation plants. According to information provided to Taitague, the loophole has allowed the Guam Power Authority to utilize reprocessed waste oil it collects from local sources. In 2016, a year after Cabras Units 3 and 4 caught fire, local media reported that the Consolidated Commission on Utilities was informed by GPA that waste oil would no longer be used in Cabras Units 1 and 2. The report also indicated that both units are more than 40 years old, are in poor condition, and continued burning of waste oil may depreciate their reliability even further.
In addition to the planned 180-megawatt power plant in Dededo and the integration of renewable energy programs, Taitague wants to ensure that Guam’s ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel law “helps GPA in its ongoing efforts to comply with U.S. EPA emission regulations – and protects ratepayers from more than $150 million in potential fines. Updating the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel standard law, which I authored during my first term, is both a priority and responsibility I take seriously as a member of the 35th Guam Legislature.”
“Protecting our fragile environment requires decision-makers and community stakeholders to work together on issues that impact families now and into the future. Bill 25 is a good step forward in our work to create a cleaner and healthier Guam.”
Similar proposals broadening P.L. 30-184 to cover fuel for boilers and diesel-powered generators either mobile or stationary on Guam are included in a report prepared in late 2010 by the Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Task Force led by Guam EPA. However, amendments have yet to be made to P.L. 30-184
For additional information regarding this press release, please contact Taitague’s office at 989-8356 or send an e-mail to senatortelot@gmail.com. (PR)
