EPA issued an emergency waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states where the supply of gasoline has been impacted by the shutdown of the Exxon Mobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois. The waiver, which applies to Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois, suspends federal rules requiring the sale of low Reid Vapor Pressure gasoline during the summer months. The waiver applies through Aug. 20, EPA said.
Exxon Mobil shut down the 251,800 barrel-per-day refinery in mid-July due to a power outage after a storm. Although power was restored to the refinery by July 24, it is likely to take the company at least a few weeks to restart the facility.
