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EPA ENSURES SMOOTHER REFORMULATED GASOLINE SEASONAL TRANSITION

Release Date: 02/15/2002
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2002

EPA ENSURES SMOOTHER REFORMULATED GASOLINE SEASONAL TRANSITION

Cathy Milbourn 202-564-7824 /[email protected]


EPA is eliminating the existing blendstock accounting regulations for Reformulated Gasoline (RFG). This will allow refineries more flexibility to sell gasoline blendstocks and improve their overall ability to supply cleaner gasoline by eliminating significant record-keeping and reporting requirements. This action is in conjunction with other recent Agency actions to ease the RFG seasonal transition, when refiners and distributors switch from winter-grade to summer-grade RFG. A separate regulatory modification was made in December which allows for greater flexibility in providing additional RFG when supply is tight. Also, new enforcement guidance will be issued to allow gasoline terminal operators a broader testing tolerance than currently permitted for the initial tank turnover from winter to summer fuel. The guidance outlines EPA’s policy on allowing a 2 percent testing tolerance for the volatile organic compound performance standard. The 2 percent enforcement tolerance will apply at terminal locations at the time the terminal first classifies the tank as complying with summer standards for federal RFG. Taken together, these three actions will help ensure a more orderly transition from winter to summer fuel, while maintaining the environmental benefits of cleaner burning RFG. More information on these actions and the RFG program is found at: https://www.epa.gov/otaq/rfg.htm

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