Worldly Scions, esp. those poor folks in California, USA.
I apologize for occupying bandwidth to those outside of CA, USA, but
it may be fair to say that what is in CA today, may be in your
state tomorrow.
WARNING re: the new, expensive, reformulated, cleaner-burning gasoline that
California residents are now putting in their cars.
The bottom line is: REPLACE ALL YOUR GAS LINES NOW or risk fire!
I have a lot more information available to those interested.
I have divided it into 2 parts. The first is a statement from Chevron
(more extensive reports are available at the Chevron website),
and the second part is derived from the Performance Subcommittee of
the California Reformulated Gasoline Advisory Committee, Draft Findings:
California Reformulated Gasoline Test Program, Sacramento, California
Air Resources Board, November, 1995, and based on the 1993 and 1994
maintenance and repair records for over 7,000 vehicles in fleets
operated by the same organizations that operated the fleets used to
test California Phase 2 RFG. Ibid.
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Part 1: Warning from Chevron
WARNING: OWNERS OF OLDER OF HIGH-MILEAGE VEHICLES ("Older" is defined as
pre-1991)
Beginning as early as December, 1995, gasoline sold in California will meet
California Reformulated Gasoline (CaRFG) specifications. Some testing has
indicated that using CaRFG may cause some fuel system parts failures,
particularly those older or worn fuel system parts in a very small
percentage of older or high-mileage vehicle, to fail. Such failures
can cause fuel leaks, which could in some circumstances *result in a fire.
Owners of older or high-mileage cars should consult an auto repair
technician about possible repair or replacement of fuel system parts.
Owners should monitor fuel system for leaks, and repair any leaks
immediately without driving the vehicle.
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Part 2: Here are some little known facts about your new gasoline:
1. It reduces the mileage of all vehicles as compared to the "old" gas.
Chevron says 3% lower but some consumers who operate traffic fleets
are reporting between 10% and 15% lower mileage.
2. The new gas may damage your fuel system and even cause fires per the
above.
3. The new gas contains a number of new chemicals, such as ether, which are
labeled as carcinogens by the state of California. You will be breathing
these carcinogens each time you fill-up you tank or handle the new gas.
4. The new gas specifications are required by the California Air Resources
Board which has much stricter clean air guidelines than the Federal
Government and the EPA.
5. Lots of companies will make large profits from the sale of the new
gasoline:
- The gas companies have raised their price of gasoline to cover their
costs PLUS their profit. Last quarter Chevron reported a 30% increase
in profits.
- Car repair companies should make a lot of money as hundreds of
thousands, and perhaps millions, of automobile fuel systems fail
and need to be repaired or replaced.
- Car manufacturers will profit from the sale of new cars to replace
"old" cars that are damaged by the new fuel.
- Chemical manufacturers will profit from the sale of large quantities
of toxic chemicals to the gas companies.
- The state and federal governments will reap large gas tax increases
based on the new/higher prices of a gallon of gas; recently as high
as $1.80 and more per gallon.
EVERYONE WHO DRIVES A VEHICLE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA WILL BE
CONTRIBUTING TO THESE PROFITS DIRECTLY, VIA THE PURCHASE OF GASOLINE, OR
INDIRECTLY VIA DAMAGE TO THEIR VEHICLES.
If you are concerned, or upset, about any of the above, here are a few
organizations/people you should contact to express you concern or file your
complaint.
Organization/Person Phone #
#
California Air Resources Board +1(800)922-7349
Chevron Consumer Affairs +1(800)962-1223
California Dept of Consumer Affairs +1(800)344-9940
California Auto Repair Bureau +1(800)952-5210
Governor Pete Wilson +1(916)445-2864 or 2841
+1(916)445-4633
Attorney General Dan Lundgren +1(916)445-9555
+1(916)327-7892
CA Assemblyman or State Senator +1(916)322-9900 and ask for your
assemblyman/senator by name
Shane Ingate
74 TR6 in San Diego, CA
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