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EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Fuel Waivers for Virginia and Ohio

Release Date: 09/12/2008
Contact Information: Contact Information: Dave Ryan, 202-564.4355 or 703-593-1008 (Press Only)/ [email protected]

(9/12/08) As the result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA is exercising its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain gasoline requirements in the states of Ohio and Virginia.

The waivers were granted by EPA, in coordination with the Department of Energy, at the request of Ohio and Virginia, and will allow greater flexibility for fuel distribution systems in these areas.

The Virginia waiver will allow certain areas to use available conventional gasoline instead of reformulated gasoline.

The Virginia waiver, will be in effect starting immediately, expires on Sept. 26 and applies to the following towns and counties: Alexandria; Arlington County; Fairfax; Fairfax County; Falls Church; Loudoun County; Manassas; Manassas Park; Prince William County; Stafford County; Charles City County; Chesterfield County; Colonial Heights; Hanover County; Henrico County; Hopewell; Richmond; Chesapeake; Hampton; James City County; Newport News; Norfolk; Poquoson; Portsmouth; Suffolk; Virginia Beach; Williamsburg; and York County.

The Ohio waiver, which will be in effect starting immediately, expires on Sept. 15, and applies to the following counties: Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren.

The Ohio waiver allows for the sale or distribution of fuel that exceeds "summer requirements" for volatility. These standards are imposed during summer months to help control emissions from motor vehicles. Temporary suspension of these standards will allow for the sale of available supplies of conventional gasoline with higher volatility.

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which are likely to result in a shortage of gasoline that is compliant with federal regulations.

As required by law, EPA 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. EPA granted the waiver in coordination with the Department of Energy.

More details on the fuel waiver: www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/fuelwaivers/