Fuel waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, intend to alleviate the critical shortage of fuel and petroleum goods across the United States, after the Colonial Pipeline attack.
Firstly, fuel waivers were an emergency issue taken by U.S. officials, as a petroleum goods shortage is hitting the U.S. after the Colonial pipeline hack; as of now, waivers are in effect in 12 states and the District of Columbia.
Secondly, the EPA initially granted fuel waivers through May 18, for Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia; specifically, the waiver granted was for the vapor rule; which regulates the vapor pressure of gasoline sold at retail stations in order to keep it low and reduce emissions and the effect of ozone.
Thirdly, later on Tuesday, the EPA, along with the Energy Department, issued a second waiver to also include Alabama; also, Delaware; also, Georgia, specific counties of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi. Fuel waiver would also apply to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and extend its duration through May 31, according to Reuters.
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Fuel waivers are not enough
Moreover, one day before, late on Monday, the White House said it would continue to monitor supply shortages along the East Coast; and that it was evaluating its options.
In addition, the EPA stated. “As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest.” However, it added that additional flexibility would further alleviate fuel shortages.
Furthermore, back on Sunday; the Transportation Department announced it was going to issue a temporary hours of service exemption for truck drivers transporting gasoline; also, diesel; jet fuel and other refined petroleum products in states that could be impacted by the pipeline shutdown.
Finally, as we reported previously; the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack had a huge impact on petroleum supply on the East and South Coast; as the pipeline was a major artery for midstream activities. Company intends to bring the asset back on line later this week.
