EPA has already approved two fuel waivers from volatility and reformulated gas requirements in the state

As the result of the disruption in the supply of fuel first caused by Hurricane Gustav, and now by Hurricane Ike, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is waiving certain special diesel fuel requirements that apply only in the state of Texas.

Responding to a state request received Sunday, EPA will allow the suspension of the Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) requirements until Sept. 30, 2008. Federal regulations for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million must, however, still be met.



The waiver should increase the supply of fuel across coastal Texas and help re-open closed gas stations in the region. As a direct result of the storm, reports indicate that a degree of panic has already spread quickly amongst residents of coastal Texas who are itching to get home, but are having difficulty finding the fuel to do so.

The waiver was granted by EPA, in coordination with the Department of Energy, and will allow greater flexibility for fuel distribution systems in the affected areas.

Photo: eh3k via flickr under a Creative Commons License