EPA temporarily waives fuel standards to head off gas price hike after Katrina News
EPA temporarily waives fuel standards to head off gas price hike after Katrina

[JURIST] The US Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday temporarily waived certain regulatory fuel standards [text] required under the Clean Air Act [text] in an attempt to head off any shortages and rising prices [AP report] caused by Hurricane Katrina. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson [official profile] initially waived the standards for four states directly impacted by the hurricane, but then extended it to the entire country. The waiver covers standards for volatility and sulfur, which limit air pollution caused by fuel evaporation and emissions. Johnson said relaxing the standards was necessary to ensure that fuel remained available throughout the country, particular for relief and rescue efforts in the areas affected by Katrina. The EPA has more [news release].