Deal garners waiver on gas requirements

At the request of Gov. Nathan Deal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has temporarily waived environmental requirements for gasoline sold in Georgia to avoid a potential shortage after Hurricane Isaac caused supply disruptions.

The EPA granted the waiver through Sept. 15, which will give Gulf Coast fuel refineries time to resume normal production. Several refineries were shut down because of power outages and flooding.

“This responsible action by the EPA will help protect Georgia residents and businesses from price spikes and panic caused by a shortage,” Deal said in a news release. “I commend Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Jud Turner for his leadership on this issue, and the director and I will continue to work with the EPA in the event of an ongoing shortage.”

Members of the Georgia Petroleum Council predicted shortages of the cleaner burning, low volatility gasoline would occur within a week without relief from the requirements.