Hurricane Response: Fuel Waivers

In the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean fuel requirements for areas of Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina until Sept.15, 2008. In addition, EPA has approved a request to extend the existing waiver for Louisiana from Sept. 8 to Sept.15, 2008. These actions will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply of gasoline.

The waivers were granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy, at the request of each state. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which are likely to result in a shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations. The federal waivers will help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the affected area.

The waivers apply to the 7.0 and 7.8 RVP (Reid vapor pressure) gasoline volatility requirements that apply to certain areas in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina. Gasoline volatility standards are imposed during summer months to help control emissions from motor vehicles; temporary suspension of such standards will allow for the sale of available supplies of conventional gasoline that have higher volatility limits. As required by law, EPA and DOE carefully examined all aspects of the fuel supply situation in the requested areas and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest.