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PA EPA INCREASES STATE OPTIONS FOR RFG PROGRAMFOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1998 EPA INCREASES STATE OPTIONS FOR RFG PROGRAM EPA issued a final rule earlier this week that modifies a portion of the reformulated fuels (RFG) program to give states greater flexibility maintaining compliance with the federal ozone standard. The rule change expands the opt-in provisions by allowing states to include areas formerly out of compliance with the federal ozone standard when the Clean Air Act was amended in November, 1990, but are now in attainment to adopt an RFG program. The agency said about 80 additional areas are eligible to utilize the expanded opt-in provision. The added flexibility will benefit areas with ozone levels relatively close to exceeding the standard. These areas are vulnerable to experiencing violations in the future. The RFG program protects health and the environment by reducing emissions of ozone-forming compounds and air toxics. The action provides states the flexibility to use RFG as an additional cost effective option to help avoid future air quality problems in redesignated areas. The Clean Air Act requires reformulated gasoline in 10 areas with the highest levels of ozone. States with areas exceeding the standard may opt into the program through a petition from the Governor. The District of Columbia and areas in 12 states are participating in the program today. The agency’s most recent “Air Quality Trends Report” attributes reduced levels of ozone in some areas of the country to the RFG program. More information is available on: http://www.epa.gov/omswww/. Today’s final rule will be published in the Federal Register on Sept. 29. R-129 ### Release date:09/25/98 Receive our News Releases Automatically by Email
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