WASHINGTON As a result of disruptions in the…
WASHINGTON – As a result of
disruptions in the supply of fuel to the Pittsburgh area caused by
severe flooding from recent tropical storms, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily
waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for parts of
Pennsylvania. This waiver will allow greater flexibility for the
fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply.
The waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department
of Energy (DOE), at the request of Pennsylvania Governor Tom
Corbett. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson 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 until normal supply to the region can be
restored.
The waiver applies to 7.8 psi low Reid vapor pressure (RVP)
requirements that apply in the Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley area. The
waiver is effective for 20 days and allows the sale of 9.0 psi
conventional gasoline in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler,
Fayette, Washington, Westmoreland counties. As required by law, EPA
and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a
short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest. To
mitigate any impacts on air quality the Clean Air Act provides
strict criteria for when fuels waivers may be granted, and requires
that waivers be limited as much as possible in terms of their
geographic scope and duration.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/fuelwaivers/