US EPA Issues RVP Waiver for Gasoline in Louisiana, Mississippi following Ida

August 31, 2021

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by Jeff Mower (S&P Global) Waiver valid through Sept. 15, 2021; Ida brings down roughly 2.2 mil b/d refining capacity; NYMEX RBOB prices edge lower -- The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a temporary waiver to federal RVP requirements for gasoline in Louisiana and Mississippi to address fuel supply shortages caused by Hurricane Ida.

"Under this temporary waiver, regulated parties may produce, sell and distribute winter gasoline in Louisiana and Mississippi with a Reid vapor pressure of no more than 11.5 psi after the addition of ethanol," the EPA said in a letter to Louisiana and Mississippi Governors late Aug. 30. "This waiver is effective immediately and will continue through September 15, 2021."

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Louisiana's two largest refineries -- ExxonMobil's 520,000 b/d Baton Rouge plant and Marathon's 578,000 b/d Garyville refinery -- were shut down.

ExxonMobil said its Baton Rouge plant did not sustain any significant damage and would begin to return to service once the company confirms it has access to feedstocks and third-party utilities. READ MORE

Hurricane Ida Impacts Expected to Increase Fuel Prices (95.3 Michigan's News Channel)

Ethanol Group Requests Ida Fuel Waiver: Ethanol Group Asks EPA to Allow Biofuel to Fill Fuel Void Left by Ida (DTN Progressive Farmer)

2021 Fuel Waivers: Louisiana and Mississippi-- On August 30, 2021, EPA issued a waiver of the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements in Louisiana and Mississippi (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

OPINION: EPA should help retailers provide US energy security (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association)