The Catalyst Backfires

The Environmental Protection Agency last week granted automakers a year's extension on the federal deadline for the removal of virtually all pollutants from the exhausts of 1977-model cars. The extension itself came as no surprise; meeting the tough federal standards would have added another $445 to the cost of a new car for antipollution equipment that might have decreased fuel economy to boot. But in making the announcement, EPA Administrator Russell Train did not mention energy or recession. The major reason for the delay, he said, was the EPA'S conclusion that the catalytic converter--the device installed on most 1975 cars to reduce noxious emissions--was itself a polluter. The converter, Train explained, produces minute amounts of sulfuric-acid mist that in high enough concentrations would pose a health hazard, especially to people with respiratory problems.

The one-year delay in meeting federal standards is the longest period that the EPA could legally allow the auto industry. So Train plans to turn to Congress "with full awareness that I may be erring on the side of caution" and ask for a five-year moratorium on the enforcement of stricter auto pollution standards. His request, which was immediately denounced by environmental groups, would give automakers tune to make a virtually pollution-free car that would not require the catalytic converter.

Although they were pleased with the delay, Detroit automakers had mixed reactions to Train's indictment of the converter. General Motors, which has spent some $350 million on the device, assured owners of 1975-model cars that the converter does not "pose any health hazard" for the near future; GM believes that the sulfuric-acid threat can be solved by removing sulfur from gasoline in the refinery or in the car itself. Chrysler, which has consistently opposed the converter, indicated that it would now move at full speed to develop electronic timing and fuel-mixture controls that will reduce emissions to the federal limits without catalysts.

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