EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for Midwest

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency fuel waiver for Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan to alleviate gasoline shortages and rising prices caused by the shutdown of ExxonMobil's Joliet Refinery after severe storms. The refinery, which processes 251,800 barrels a day, was shut down due to a power outage but could take weeks to restart. The waiver, effective until August 20, temporarily lifts federal requirements for low Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) and reformulated gasoline, which are designed to reduce ozone pollution and smog during the summer. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for the waiver aims to increase fuel supply and stabilize prices, with gas prices in the affected states having spiked to over $3.45 per gallon. The EPA and Department of Energy continue to monitor the situation and may take further action if necessary.