Friday (1/15) marks New Jersey's deadline to comment on its proposal to lower the sulfur content in heating oil to 500 parts per million or less in 2014 and to 15ppm or less in 2016, with the state's Department of Environmental Protection holding a public hearing Jan. 5 at the state capital in Trenton on the proposal.

Should N.J. move ahead with its Nov. 16, 2009 announced specifications, it would be the first state to require a lower sulfur content in heating oil, which follows federal laws that have cut the sulfur content in transportation distillate fuels.

"EPA hopes and expects its regional neighbors to join the effort," said Raymond Werner, chief for EPA's Region 2 Air Programs Branch.

The American Petroleum Institute is challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed changes to the 2008 ozone standard, saying the action lacks scientific justification.

The EPA is proposing to replace the standards set by the George W. Bush administration, "which many believe were not protective enough of human health," according to a release issued Jan. 7 by the agency.

The changes would include setting a primary standard that would place the acceptable ground ozone level, or smog, at between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million measured over eight hours. Ground ozone forms when emissions from industrial facilities and vehicles react in the sun.