EPA waives fuel rule in 4 states after Indiana refinery fire

CHICAGO — The Environmental Safety Company briefly lifted a federal rule for gas gross sales in 4 states in response to a hearth final week at an Indiana oil refinery that might have an effect on costs and provide.

The emergency waiver was granted Saturday for Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, EPA Administrator Michael Regan mentioned. In a letter to state officers, Regan mentioned the company decided the waiver is important “to attenuate or stop disruption of an sufficient provide of gasoline to customers.”

The waiver lifts a Clear Air Act requirement that lower-volatility gasoline be bought within the states throughout summer season months to restrict ozone air pollution. It’s in impact till Sept. 15, the EPA mentioned.

BP mentioned its refinery in Whiting, Indiana, skilled {an electrical} hearth Wednesday. Nobody was harm, and the fireplace was put out, nevertheless it brought about a lack of utilities in different components of the refinery, forcing no less than a partial shutdown. The refinery is situated alongside Lake Michigan’s shoreline about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southeast of Chicago, in response to the corporate.

The corporate mentioned Sunday it’s working towards a “phased restart of the refinery,” however no date was given.

Governors in all 4 states requested the EPA waivers, in response to the EPA’s letter. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s workplace mentioned the refinery supplies about 20% to 25% of the gasoline, jet gas and diesel utilized by Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois.

BP spokeswoman Christina Audisho mentioned the corporate was working with native and state companies and was nonetheless assessing when affected models can restart.