EPA – State Fuel Waivers for ExxonMobil Refinery Shutdown

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan today issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states whose supply of gasoline has been impacted by the shutdown of the ExxonMobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois.

The action comes after progressive Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the EPA, “requesting an emergency fuel waiver that will increase the supply of fuel and help mitigate price fluctuations amidst the refinery outage, the ongoing hurricane season, and as Michiganders continue to enjoy summer travel plans.”

EPA has waived the federal regulations and federally enforceable State Implementation Plan requirements for the low Reid vapor pressure (RVP) and reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin to help the supply of fuel in these areas. This waiver will continue through Aug. 20, 2024.

The Clean Air Act allows Administrator Regan, in consultation with the Department of Energy (DOE), to waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of the ExxonMobil refinery shutdown, Administrator Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available in the affected areas until normal supply to the region can be restored.

“As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest. EPA and DOE are continuing to actively monitor the fuel supply situation resulting from the ExxonMobil refinery shutdown and considering additional measures to alleviate the impact,” the Federal agencies  said.