California and Washington have gasoline that is more refined than ours here in Oregon.
Why?
Well, because our skies are so clear here in this state -- the government figured nobody would notice. Supposedly it doesn't taste or smell badly.
If you're interested, here is the whole story. (You need a .pdf reader of course.) Looks as if this will improve in 2012. I'll try to live a little longer so we can get to that point (cough, cough...)
http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/factsheets/06-AQ-018_benzene.pdfMeanwhile, there are so damned many things to be upset about and I've got to get to sleep.
Cordially,
RL in OR
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Benzene in Oregon’s Air
Benzene is one of the most serious air toxic pollutants in Oregon. Oregon has some of the highest reported levels of benzene in the United States and our gasoline is THE major source of that benzene. Why? Refineries in the Northwest rely on crude oil from Alaska that is naturally high in benzene. Most Northwest refineries do not have the equipment to remove benzene when producing the gasoline we use.
Northwest levels will decline
In March 2006, the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) proposed the Mobile Source Air Toxics rule that will initiate nation-wide reductions of benzene levels in gasoline. Unfortunately, EPA’s proposed rule originally left Oregon and the Pacific NW with the highest benzene levels in gasoline in the country. Under EPA’s initially proposed rule, our benzene levels would have been twice east coast levels.
In response to concerns expressed by Oregon and Washington environmental experts, Senator RonWyden and several public interest groups, EPA established a benzene cap on each refinery in thecountry. To meet the new standard, most Northwest refiners will be required to install emission control equipment to reduce benzene. These controls must be in place by 2012, and will result in benzene levels in Northwest gasoline that are comparable to other parts of the US.
(More at link.)