Hurricane Response: Fuel Waivers

As a result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Tropical Storms Fay and Hanna, Hurricane Gustav and the approach of Hurricane Ike, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean fuel requirements for six counties in Florida until Sept. 15, 2008. This waiver will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to be used to aid in the evacuation from Hurricane Ike and subsequent return of affected residents.

This waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy, at the request of the State of Florida. The waiver affects the following counties in south Florida: Broward, Dade, Duval, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and Pinellas.

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 approaching storm.

The waiver applies to the 7.8 RVP (Reid vapor pressure) gasoline volatility requirements that apply in certain areas of Florida. 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.