FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 2, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573) 751-0290
Blunt Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver
Helps Relieve Pressure on Supply Chain
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today issued a state emergency fuel waiver in extension of the federal waiver issued on Aug. 31. The waiver is designed to provide more options for fuel suppliers which will help reduce the possibility of a gasoline shortage.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is waiving the requirement to sell summer gasoline which contains a lower volatility limit. The EPA is also allowing the use of diesel fuel which exceeds 500 ppm sulfur content. For many areas in Missouri the federal waiver regarding gasoline needs no clarification. The EPA waiver’s sulfur content provisions for diesel fuel apply throughout the state through September 15.
Blunt waived the EVP restrictions for the Kansas City ozone maintenance area which encompasses Clay, Platte and Jackson Counties through September 15. The governor is asking regulated entities to make every reasonable effort to distribute and sell fully compliant gasoline. Gasoline with a RVP up to 11.5 psi is allowed for distribution and sale in the Kansas City area.
For the St. Louis ozone non-attainment area which includes the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin counties the federal waiver does not allow the distribution or sale of conventional gasoline. All federal Reformulated Gasoline requirements, except for the volatility restrictions of summer grade RFG, still remain for the St. Louis area.
"This should help control gas prices by providing more options for fuel suppliers," Blunt said. "We need to do everything possible to help consumers during this extraordinary time."
The governor will continue to work with federal and state agencies to monitor the supply and distribution of gasoline for Missouri to help alleviate supply and distribution concerns following Hurricane Katrina.
It is also important for Missourians to make responsible choices regarding fuel use. First do not panic and do not react to rumors, especially rumors spread on the internet. The government and the private sector are doing everything within their power to ensure a steady supply of fuel that consumers are able to purchase at market prices. Missourians should go about their daily lives as usual, including only purchasing fuel when and if they need it. There is no need to hoard fuel or "top off" vehicles. Missourians should try to conserve fuel by driving less. For example, carpool and coordinate errands as much as possible.
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