The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has temporarily waived clean fuel requirements near St Louis MO in three Illinois counties because of electricity outages that caused fuel supply problems at a Conoco Phillips refinery.
Illinois officials requested the waiver for St Clair, Madison, and Monroe counties due to the "extreme and unusual circumstances" caused by a recent storm that passed through the area, according to the EPA information. Effective through August 4, 2006, the waiver applies to the 7.2 RVP (Reid vapor pressure) gasoline volatility. Gasoline volatility standards are imposed during summer months to help control emissions from motor vehicles. The rule suspension will allow for the sale of available supplies of conventional gasoline, which have higher volatility limits.