EPA extends a waiver on motor fuel contents to apply nationwide, not just to Texas

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Wednesday expanded the scope of an emergency waiver of Clean Air Act restrictions on motor fuel requirements, saying the waiver would apply not only to Texas but also to 11 states and the District of Columbia through Sept. 15.

The move, prompted by Hurricane Harvey, effectively declares an early end to summer regulations designed to prevent a buildup of ozone pollution, which contributes to lung disease and asthma. The regulations require oil companies to use low-volatility gasoline during the summer months, to prevent gasoline from turning to vapor. However, making summertime-grade gasoline can cost oil refiners several cents a gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration.