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The EPA has launched a website dedicated to Hurricane
Gustav. The site, located at www.epa.gov/region6/disaster/index.htm, can be
accessed for the latest information, flyers and audio files.
While the storm has decreased to a Category 1 hurricane as
of Tuesday morning, the potential for extensive damage has alarmed federal and
state governments intent on avoiding a disaster on par with that caused by
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Among other responses, the agency released most of Louisiana and parts of Texas from
its fuel laws. "Given the projected path, severity of the storm, and the
evacuation of major areas of the state, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson
determined that extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which are likely
to result in a shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations,"
the agency said in a press release. "The federal waiver will help ensure
an adequate supply of gasoline in the affected area during and in the immediate
aftermath of the storm
The waiver applies to the 7.8 RVP (Reid vapor pressure) gasoline volatility
requirements that apply in 16 parishes in Louisiana. Gasoline volatility
standards are imposed during summer months to help control emissions from motor
vehicles; temporary suspension of such standards will allow for the sale of
available supplies of conventional gasoline that have higher volatility limits,
according to the release. The waiver will last until Sept.
8.
The 16 Louisiana parishes receiving waivers: Ascension,
Beauregard, Calcasieu, E. Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette,
Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Point Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St.
James, St. Mary, and W. Baton Rouge.
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