Following an August 24, 2022 fire at the BP Whiting refinery in Indiana, and its subsequent shutdown on August 26, the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) has proactively moved to ensure a fuel shortage is avoided in four US steps.
The refinery provides some 435,000 barrels per day to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin suppliers.
The EPA’s move is to waive federal regulations on fuel volatility through September 15 on gasoline sold in those four states until, it is hoped, the refinery can get back up to speed following the fire.
Said Michael Regan, an EPA Administrator, that the government has “determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available in the affected areas until normal supply to the region can be restored."
As well, the US Transportation Department has provided an exemption for maximum driving time for truck drivers—but only for those transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products to the four states.