New Fuel Standards to Save $6.1 Billion, Australian Government Claims
The Australian federal government claims that new fuel quality and noxious emission standards will result in savings of $6.1 billion in health and fuel costs by 2040. These changes, which will begin in 2025, aim to reduce noxious emissions from light vehicles, thereby limiting the sale of heavily polluting cars and trucks.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The implementation of these new standards will allow Australia to adopt the “Euro 6d” noxious emissions standards, which are already followed by 80 percent of the global car market, including countries such as the United States, Canada, the EU, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Korea, and India. By doing so, Australia will be able to remove nearly 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector by 2050.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen stated, “These updates to our vehicle standards will see almost 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions cut from the transport sector by 2050—equivalent to taking 280,000 cars off the road.”
Improved Health and Environmental Benefits
The Australian government believes that these new standards will have significant positive impacts on public health. By lowering noxious vehicle emissions, Australians will be protected from strokes, cancers, and respiratory illnesses. Noxious vehicle emissions were responsible for more than 1,700 deaths in Australia in 2015, which is 42 percent higher than the number of road fatalities for that year. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Melbourne found that over 11,000 Australians die prematurely each year due to transport emissions, while 19,000 people are hospitalized for heart and lung issues.
Changes to Fuel Quality
One of the changes included in the new standards is a reduction in the level of aromatic hydrocarbons in 95 RON petrol. Aromatics are a natural component of crude oil that can aid engine performance. However, they also pose significant health risks. A recent research study listed various cancers and increased risk of cardiovascular disease as potential dangers associated with long-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Furthermore, the government plans to align the reduction in sulfur limits for all petrol with the new aromatics limits, simplifying the transition for fuel suppliers and consumers.
Impact on Motorists
The implementation of these new standards will result in a small increase in costs for motorists. An average passenger vehicle running on 95 RON grade petrol can expect an increase of $8 per year (or 15 cents per week), while light commercial vehicles can expect a $13 yearly increase. However, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water assures that these costs are more than offset by the benefits of the initiative, including access to cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles and health savings.
In conclusion, the Australian government’s new fuel standards aim to reduce noxious emissions from vehicles, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health. By adopting these standards, Australia will align itself with global car markets and save billions of dollars in health and fuel costs. The government plans to communicate these changes to motorists before they come into effect, ensuring a smooth transition for both suppliers and consumers.
