by Lannie Walker

Guam - Senator Telo Taitague is pushing for major reform in vehicle emissions, and the freshman Republican policymaker has introduced Bill 414. The measure aims establish a standard requiring all diesel engines and generators to use ultra-low sulfur fuel. The type of fuel is already mandated to be used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

She says measures like hers helps establish across-the-board standards to support environmentally-sound practices beginning with Government of Guam and ultimately, throughout the entire community. Taitague says low-sulfur fuel cost anywhere from $0.20 to $0.40 more per gallon, adding, "What we are trying to do is have a win-win; gas companies [can] phase it in and no longer provide the provide high-sulfur, so then it's not a significant cost."

Taitague says the cost for keeping Guam environmentally friendly is worth the higher price and stresses it would not affect the cost of utilities on the cost of fuel for vehicles. Department of Public Works Acting Director Andy Leon Guerrero says he is currently researching whether or not the switch would be a viable option for Guam public school buses.