Gustav prompts EPA to issue waiver

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it waived some clean gasoline requirements for parts of Texas because of Hurricane Gustav.

The waiver, which lasts until Sept. 10, will allow more flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply, the EPA said in a news release.

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said he determined circumstances created by Hurricane Gustav likely would result in a shortage of gasoline compliant with federal regulations.

The waiver would help ensure an adequate supply of gasoline in the affected region during, and in the immediate aftermath of, Hurricane Gustav, the EPA said. In addition, the waiver would enable the sale of conventional gasoline in reformulated gas areas.