EPA Approves Third Hurricane-Related Fuel Waiver For Texas

September 16, 2008 6:46 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - With fuel supplies disrupted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the EPA has approved a waiver of certain Clean Air Act requirements on selling low emission diesel fuel in Texas to ensure there is enough fuel there.

This is the third in a series of fuel quality waivers to make sure that there is flexibility for the fuel distribution systems in affected areas and, the EPA said in a statement emailed late Monday night.

EPA officials said they were acting in response to a request Texas state officials made Sunday night and are coordinating with the Texas Department of Energy.

The EPA will allow suspension of the Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) requirements until Sept. 30, because EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson determined that otherwise there would likely be a shortage of TxLED compliant diesel because of the unusual supply circumstances.

However, the federal regulations for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel must still be met.

Previously, the EPA had approved waivers from volatility and reformulated gas requirements in Texas on Sept. 1 and 11.