Automakers vs. big oil over diesel rules

From the Automotive News:

Automakers fear that petroleum companies and refiners aim to delay or relax the rules. The key provision, effective in September 2006, requires that 80 percent of highway diesel fuel contain no more than 15 parts per million of sulfur. The limit now is 500 parts per million.

Ultralow-sulfur fuel is essential for expanded use of modern, cleaner-running and more fuel-efficient diesel engines in cars and light trucks, a major goal of automakers over the next few years.

Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is critical if Diesels are to arrive in the US, but it is also somewhat costlier.