ENERGY

Air Board Is Testing Clean Gasoline Due in 1996: In part to avoid controversy over the fuel’s effects on automobiles, the California Air Resources Board has begun a $1.8-million test program using 1,800 vehicles in public and private fleets. The board was hotly criticized by California truckers last year after an ARB-mandated cleaner diesel was blamed for causing engine problems. The board’s Phase 2 reformulated gasoline, which will meet the world’s strictest air-pollution standards, will be required statewide beginning in March, 1996. Fleet vehicles from Caltrans, Pacific Bell, GTE, the Bank of America and other government agencies and companies will test the fuel.