DEQ News Release

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 1, 2017

State Agencies Modify Fuel Requirements Through September 15 Following Hurricane Harvey

NORTH LITTLE ROCK—In response to Hurricane Harvey, the Arkansas Agriculture Department and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) have worked together to seek relief from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on fuel requirements for Low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) to address fuel supply emergencies in the region.

On August 31, 2017, ADEQ formally requested that EPA exercise its authority under the federal Clean Air Act to temporarily waive fuel requirements for RVP fuel and allow the distribution of 11.5 RVP gasoline throughout Arkansas. EPA has granted two waivers that address multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The waivers are effective immediately and will continue through September 15, 2017.

“We appreciate the swift and collaborative action with both our state and federal partners to recognize and remove any unnecessary restrictions to fuel distribution systems in response to impacts caused by Hurricane Harvey. The waivers will work to minimize or prevent further disruption of an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers,” stated ADEQ Director Becky W. Keogh. “This waiver will help to ensure the continuity of available fuel in our region, and will continue to maintain good fuel quality for our motorists,” says Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward.

Gasoline blend waivers are enforced by state bureau of standards departments, though EPA grants these waivers through requests from state environmental agencies. The Arkansas Bureau of Standards, a division of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s State Plant Board, is the entity responsible for assuring standards of quality in gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, alcohol fuels, kerosene, and petroleum products in commercial transactions in Arkansas.

Learn more at aad.arkansas.gov and adeq.state.ar.us.


CONTACT: Kelly Robinson (Robinson@adeq.state.ar.us or 501.682.0916)

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