EPA proposes easing gas formulation at terminals

Nov 30, 2001 12:00 PM

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make it easier for tank terminal operators to make the transition from winter to summer grade reformulated gasoline (RFG).

This action will require tank terminals to accept only summer grade RFG beginning April 15 of each year. Currently, there is not a specific date that terminals must begin receiving summer grade RFG. However, tanks at terminals must contain only summer grade RFG by May 1.

Terminal operators typically draw down their levels of winter grade gasoline as May 1 approaches, causing an abrupt reduction in gasoline inventories. This proposal would increase the amount of time terminals have to make the changeover from winter to summer grade RFG. The proposal also requests comments on a number of transition alternatives associated with the RFG program. The proposal is available at:www.epa.gov/otaq/rfg.htm.