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EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Waiver for Texas

Release Date: 09/01/2008
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, 202-564.4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov

(9/1/08) As Hurricane Gustav makes landfall in the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for parts of Texas where they apply until Sept. 10, 2008. This waiver will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply.

This waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), at the request of the State of Texas. 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 waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the affected area during and in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

The waiver applies to the 7.8 RVP (Reid Vapor Pressure) gasoline volatility requirements that apply in certain areas of Texas. The waiver also enables the sale of conventional gasoline in reformulated gas (RFG) areas. As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest.

More information: www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/fuelwaivers/