Press Release - Wednesday, September 07, 2005
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ILLINOIS EPA TAKES STEPS TO INCREASE AVAILABILITY OF GASOLINE IN ILLINOIS
SPRINGFIELD --- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has granted a provisional variance to waive the requirement for the sale, dispensing, supply or transport of "summer" gasoline in Illinois, allowing early use of wintertime gasoline. In addition, the provisional variance waives sticker requirements for gasoline delivery vessels.
"In light of catastrophic events that have occurred as a result of Hurricane Katrina, we granted the variance to enable refineries, distribution facilities and gas stations to transport and dispense wintertime gasoline," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "This will increase the ability to have fuel delivered in Illinois and in the areas of our country where fuel supplies have been disrupted by the hurricane and its aftermath."
As a further effort to increase the supply of gasoline, the provisional variance waives the Illinois requirement for retailers to sell summer gasoline, similar to the waiver of federal requirements issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Summer-blend gasoline is required in Illinois from May 1 to September 15.
The Illinois Petroleum Council sought a provisional variance from applicable requirements of the Illinois Administrative Code until September 15, 2005, at which time the regulatory control period for summer gasoline ends. The variance also allows gasoline delivery vessels, approved for use in other states, to transport fuel into Illinois.
Further action by the Illinois EPA allows ExxonMobil Oil Corporation in Joliet a provisional variance of their air permit to allow loading of winter gasoline onto barges at the Joliet Refinery Wharf Loading facility, without the vapor collection and control system required during the summer months. This action will also be in effect until September 15, 2005.
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