Hurricane Gustav Spurs EPA to Temporarily Waive Clean Air Act Gasoline Requirements for Parts of Texas
As Hurricane Gustav makes landfall in the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for parts of Texas.
The waiver will last until Sept. 10, 2008 and will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply. Granted by EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, the waiver was based on the the extreme and unusual supply circumstances presented by hurricane Gustav, which are likely to result in a shortage of gasoline in some areas.
The waiver allows gasoline sold in certain counties to exceed the 7.8 RVP (Reid Vapor Pressure) gasoline volatility standards that are in place during the “high ozone season.” The waiver also enables the sale of conventional gasoline in reformulated gas (RFG) areas. As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest.
“I have determined that an ‘extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstance’ exists that will prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers in the RFG and RVP covered areas,” Bodman said in the letter (pdf).
The move comes just days after the EPA granted similar Clean Air Act waivers for parts of Louisiana and Florida.
Related:
- Gas Prices, Gustav, and the Future of Offshore Drilling
- EPA Decides it can Mess with Texas
- EPA Denies Request for Ethanol Waiver
Here we go again — another demonstration that climate change is with us now… perfect storm and perfect timing — to ensure the Presidential hopefuls don’t forget global change issues. Rotten timing and worse trajectory for those just back in New Orleans. The truth is — this city is part of the triage decisions on climate we are already making. Triage is applied in an emergency to allow the most globally beneficial use of inadequate resources. There will be severe climate disruptions, which will be left untreated because they will be recognized as able to recover autonomously. Selected climatically-induced emergencies where tax-payers’ money can reduce suffering will be funded. Last, and most sadly, there may be even situations where unlimited funds cannot reverse impacts and the limited funds are deemed better deployed on other projects. See http://www.climatechangetriage.net
Good point, Johnnie. I think the triage metaphor is an appropriate one. The example I always think of is the millions of dollars we spend every year on “beach replenishment” in the U.S. Yes, beaches are important barrier that prevent erosion. But at what point do we decide we are throwing good money after bad and abandon these projects that only postpone the inevitable?
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