As a result of the fire that shut down Valero’s Memphis, Tennessee refinery, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant a fuel waiver for parts of Tennessee. The waiver applies to 7.8 psi low RVP requirements – the absolute vapor pressure exerted by a liquid at 100 °F – that apply in the Shelby County, Tennessee portion of the Memphis metropolitan area. The waiver is effective for 20 days and allows the sale of 9.0 psi conventional gasoline in the Shelby county low RVP covered area even though it is contrary to the Clean Air Act. In essence EPA is tolerating the sale of fuel that contributes to smog because it will head off a fuel supply crisis, a good example of common sense by regulators.
“This waiver will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply,” EPA said in a statement.
This waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), at the request of Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. 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.
“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,” EPA said. More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/fuelwaivers/
