Has the EPA Made These Companies Rich?

With the recent EPA proposal to tighten gasoline standards, several oil companies are crying foul. The American Petroleum Institute estimates that complying with these new regulations could cost the entire industry $10 billion upfront with an additional $2.4 billion each year to comply. This isn't all bad news, though.

Fool.com contributor Tyler Crowe takes a look at this proposed regulation, and he sees some opportunities that could arise from this new standard. As gasoline becomes cleaner, it will also improve engine quality and help to increase the miles per gallon rates on gasoline vehicles, so it could take some pressure off of automotive manufacturers when meeting new MPG standards. Also, the anticipated increase in a gallon of gas resulting from this regulation could also play well into the hands of Tesla Motors and Westport Innovations , whose alternative transportation fuel options become more attractive as gasoline becomes more expensive.

As the most advanced designer of engines powered by natural gas, Westport Innovations is a small company with a big goal: to lead the world in transitioning away from traditional oil-based fossil fuels in favor of abundant, cheap, and clean natural gas. The company has a price tag large enough to match its ambition, and will need to grow revenue quickly in order to justify sky-high expectations. To help you determine whether Westport Innovations is right for your portfolio, The Motley Fool has just released a brand-new premium report breaking down the company's opportunities, competitive advantages, and risks. To get started, simply click here now for instant access.

The article Has the EPA Made These Companies Rich? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Aimee Duffy owns shares of Ford. Fool contributor Tyler Crowe owns shares of Westport Innovations. You can follow them both at Fool.com under the handles TMFAimeeD and TMFDirtyBird, respectively.The Motley Fool recommends Ford, Tesla Motors, and Westport Innovations. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford, Tesla Motors, and Westport Innovations. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.