Governor Warner Announces Virginia Gets EPA Waiver to Increase Gas Supply in State
Governor Warner Announces Virginia Gets EPA Waiver to Increase Gas Supply in State
Waiver Allows Virginia Petroleum Distributors To Tap Into Non-Reformulated Gas Supply
Governor Mark R. Warner tonight announced the EPA has waived the restriction on the use of non-reformulated gas in the Richmond area. That allows petroleum distributors to augment the region's gasoline supply with non-RFG supply, which is usually banned during the summer to decrease ozone layer depletion. The Richmond area includes the counties of Stafford, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Hanover, and Henrico, and the cities of Hopewell and Richmond. The waiver is effective immediately and continues through September 9th, but retailers can use it until their stock is depleted.
"Boosting the gas supply in the Richmond region helps the entire Commonwealth meets its fuel needs," said Governor Warner. "I spoke with EPA Administrator Steve Johnson this afternoon and I want to thank him and his team for acting swiftly to free up an extra fuel source for Virginia motorists. I sympathize with everyone dealing with increased fuel costs as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Our number one concern throughout has been to help ensure an adequate supply across the Commonwealth. I continue to ask Virginians to voluntarily conserve, and to be patient with retailers trying to meet the demand in the wake of such a significant supply disruption."
Virginia was told of the federal waiver at 8 p.m. tonight. The waiver requires distributors and retailers to use the cleaner fuel unless that supply is exhausted.
"The Governor personally went to bat for Virginia citizens and businesses, and our industry is very appreciative of all that he's done to grapple with this difficult situation," said Michael J. O'Connor of the Virginia Petroleum, Convenience and Grocery Association, which represents 5,000 retail locations in the Commonwealth. "We have worked with the Administration on a host of issues, and the Governor has done everything we asked to help ensure adequate supply, and our members will continue to keep him informed of the situation on the ground."
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Director Robert G. Burnley says the use of non-RFG will have a less severe impact on air quality at this point in the season. "I am pleased EPA has taken this reasonable step to help ensure gas supply in the Commonwealth without harm to the environment," says Burnley.
On Tuesday, Governor Warner declared a limited state of emergency to activate the Virginia Emergency Operations Center, and take certain steps to facilitate emergency responses, including:
* exempting the "hours worked" restriction for truck drivers traveling through the Commonwealth to provide essential goods or services, including petroleum and utility repair; and
* waiving the weight restrictions for heavy equipment traveling through Virginia on emergency response missions, including for petroleum delivery.
* allow the use of "dyed" fuels, primarily for trucks and agriculture equipment; and
* waiving certain weights and measures requirements for dealers with antiquated pumps. (See news release.)
Additionally, the Governor's declaration specifically addresses potential price gouging, and enables the 2004 law Virginia enacted in the wake of Hurricane Isabel. Citizens who want to report a gas price significantly above the market rate can call the Virginia Consumer Protection Hotline, operated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The hotline is toll free in Virginia: 1.800.552.9963 or 804.786.2042 and will be staffed from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the holiday weekend.
For more information on Virginia's retail gas supply and how it is priced, check out the Virginia Petroleum, Convenience and Grocery Association Web site.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Sep05/0902c.htm