Gas prices in the Midwest have been on the rise due to the closure of an oil refinery. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency fuel waiver for four states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin – to address the fuel supply issues caused by the refinery shutdown. This waiver temporarily eases certain federal requirements for fuel to ensure an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers.
The closure of an ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Illinois, following a power outage caused by tornadoes in mid-July, has significantly impacted the fuel supply in the Midwest states. Governors of the affected states requested the fuel waiver to prevent fuel supply disruptions and minimize the potential impact on residents.
The emergency waiver specifically addresses vapor pressure requirements, which are typically in place during the summer to reduce gas evaporation. The waiver went into effect on Thursday and is scheduled to remain in place until Aug. 20. EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated that the waiver duration is the shortest necessary to address the extreme circumstances hindering the distribution of compliant gasoline.
Gas prices have surged in the affected states post-tornadoes and refinery shutdown, with average prices ranging from $3.45 to $4 per gallon. The waiver comes alongside Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement of allocating nearly $11 million from the state’s disaster fund to counties impacted by natural disasters.
The EPA and U.S. Department of Energy will monitor conditions to determine if the waiver needs to be extended or terminated early.
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