Regulation of fuels
Authority of Administrator to regulate
Registration requirement
For the purpose of registration of fuels and fuel additives, the Administrator shall require—
the manufacturer of any fuel to notify him as to the commercial identifying name and manufacturer of any additive contained in such fuel; the range of concentration of any additive in the fuel; and the purpose-in-use of any such additive; and
the manufacturer of any additive to notify him as to the chemical composition of such additive.
For the purpose of registration of fuels and fuel additives, the Administrator shall, on a regular basis, require the manufacturer of any fuel or fuel additive—
to conduct tests to determine potential public health and environmental effects of the fuel or additive (including carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic effects); and
to furnish the description of any analytical technique that can be used to detect and measure any additive in such fuel, the recommended range of concentration of such additive, and the recommended purpose-in-use of such additive, and such other information as is reasonable and necessary to determine the emissions resulting from the use of the fuel or additive contained in such fuel, the effect of such fuel or additive on the emission control performance of any vehicle, vehicle engine, nonroad engine or nonroad vehicle, or the extent to which such emissions affect the public health or welfare.
Tests under subparagraph (A) shall be conducted in conformity with test procedures and protocols established by the Administrator. The result of such tests shall not be considered confidential.
Upon compliance with the provision of this subsection, including assurances that the Administrator will receive changes in the information required, the Administrator shall register such fuel or fuel additive.
Study on certain fuel additives and blendstocks.—
In general.—
Not later than 2 years after
conduct a study on the effects on public health (including the effects on children, pregnant women, minority or low-income communities, and other sensitive populations), air quality, and water resources of increased use of, and the feasibility of using as substitutes for methyl tertiary butyl ether in gasoline—
ethyl tertiary butyl ether;
tertiary amyl methyl ether;
di-isopropyl ether;
tertiary butyl alcohol;
other ethers and heavy alcohols, as determined by then 1
ethanol;
iso-octane; and
alkylates; and
conduct a study on the effects on public health (including the effects on children, pregnant women, minority or low-income communities, and other sensitive populations), air quality, and water resources of the adjustment for ethanol-blended reformulated gasoline to the volatile organic compounds performance requirements that are applicable under paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (k); and
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report describing the results of the studies under clauses (i) and (ii).
Contracts for study.—
In carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator may enter into one or more contracts with nongovernmental entities such as—
the national energy laboratories; and
institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20).
Offending fuels and fuel additives; control; prohibition
The Administrator may, from time to time on the basis of information obtained under subsection (b) of this section or other information available to him, by regulation, control or prohibit the manufacture, introduction into commerce, offering for sale, or sale of any fuel or fuel additive for use in a motor vehicle, motor vehicle engine, or nonroad engine or nonroad vehicle if, in the judgment of the Administrator, any fuel or fuel additive or any emission product of such fuel or fuel additive causes, or contributes, to air pollution or water pollution (including any degradation in the quality of groundwater) that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger the public health or welfare, or (B) 2
No fuel, class of fuels, or fuel additive may be controlled or prohibited by the Administrator pursuant to clause (A) of paragraph (1) except after consideration of all relevant medical and scientific evidence available to him, including consideration of other technologically or economically feasible means of achieving emission standards under section 7521 of this title.
No fuel or fuel additive may be controlled or prohibited by the Administrator pursuant to clause (B) of paragraph (1) except after consideration of available scientific and economic data, including a cost benefit analysis comparing emission control devices or systems which are or will be in general use and require the proposed control or prohibition with emission control devices or systems which are or will be in general use and do not require the proposed control or prohibition. On request of a manufacturer of motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, fuels, or fuel additives submitted within 10 days of notice of proposed rulemaking, the Administrator shall hold a public hearing and publish findings with respect to any matter he is required to consider under this subparagraph. Such findings shall be published at the time of promulgation of final regulations.
No fuel or fuel additive may be prohibited by the Administrator under paragraph (1) unless he finds, and publishes such finding, that in his judgment such prohibition will not cause the use of any other fuel or fuel additive which will produce emissions which will endanger the public health or welfare to the same or greater degree than the use of the fuel or fuel additive proposed to be prohibited.
For the purpose of obtaining evidence and data to carry out paragraph (2), the Administrator may require the manufacturer of any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine to furnish any information which has been developed concerning the emissions from motor vehicles resulting from the use of any fuel or fuel additive, or the effect of such use on the performance of any emission control device or system.
In obtaining information under subparagraph (A), section 7607(a) of this title (relating to subpenas) shall be applicable.
Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B) or (C), no State (or political subdivision thereof) may prescribe or attempt to enforce, for purposes of motor vehicle emission control, any control or prohibition respecting any characteristic or component of a fuel or fuel additive in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine—
if the Administrator has found that no control or prohibition of the characteristic or component of a fuel or fuel additive under paragraph (1) is necessary and has published his finding in the Federal Register, or
if the Administrator has prescribed under paragraph (1) a control or prohibition applicable to such characteristic or component of a fuel or fuel additive, unless State prohibition or control is identical to the prohibition or control prescribed by the Administrator.
Any State for which application of section 7543(a) of this title has at any time been waived under section 7543(b) of this title may at any time prescribe and enforce, for the purpose of motor vehicle emission control, a control or prohibition respecting any fuel or fuel additive.
A State may prescribe and enforce, for purposes of motor vehicle emission control, a control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine if an applicable implementation plan for such State under section 7410 of this title so provides. The Administrator may approve such provision in an implementation plan, or promulgate an implementation plan containing such a provision, only if he finds that the State control or prohibition is necessary to achieve the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard which the plan implements. The Administrator may find that a State control or prohibition is necessary to achieve that standard if no other measures that would bring about timely attainment exist, or if other measures exist and are technically possible to implement, but are unreasonable or impracticable. The Administrator may make a finding of necessity under this subparagraph even if the plan for the area does not contain an approved demonstration of timely attainment.
The Administrator may temporarily waive a control or prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive required or regulated by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (c), (h), (i), (k), or (m) of this section or prescribed in an applicable implementation plan under section 7410 of this title approved by the Administrator under clause (i) of this subparagraph if, after consultation with, and concurrence by, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator determines that—
extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supply circumstances exist in a State or region of the Nation which prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or fuel additive to consumers;
such extreme and unusual fuel and fuel additive supply circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or another event that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and not the lack of prudent planning on the part of the suppliers of the fuel or fuel additive to such State or region; and
it is in the public interest to grant the waiver (for example, when a waiver is necessary to meet projected temporary shortfalls in the supply of the fuel or fuel additive in a State or region of the Nation which cannot otherwise be compensated for).
If the Administrator makes the determinations required under clause (ii), such a temporary extreme and unusual fuel and fuel additive supply circumstances waiver shall be permitted only if—
the waiver applies to the smallest geographic area necessary to address the extreme and unusual fuel and fuel additive supply circumstances;
the waiver is effective for a period of 20 calendar days or, if the Administrator determines that a shorter waiver period is adequate, for the shortest practicable time period necessary to permit the correction of the extreme and unusual fuel and fuel additive supply circumstances and to mitigate impact on air quality;
the waiver permits a transitional period, the exact duration of which shall be determined by the Administrator (but which shall be for the shortest practicable period), after the termination of the temporary waiver to permit wholesalers and retailers to blend down their wholesale and retail inventory;
the waiver applies to all persons in the motor fuel distribution system; and
the Administrator has given public notice to all parties in the motor fuel distribution system, and local and State regulators, in the State or region to be covered by the waiver.
The term “motor fuel distribution system” as used in this clause shall be defined by the Administrator through rulemaking.
Within 180 days of
3
limit or otherwise affect the application of any other waiver authority of the Administrator pursuant to this section or pursuant to a regulation promulgated pursuant to this section; and
subject any State or person to an enforcement action, penalties, or liability solely arising from actions taken pursuant to the issuance of a waiver under this subparagraph.
3 The Administrator shall have no authority, when considering a State implementation plan or a State implementation plan revision, to approve under this paragraph any fuel included in such plan or revision if the effect of such approval increases the total number of fuels approved under this paragraph as of
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall determine the total number of fuels approved under this paragraph as of
The Administrator shall remove a fuel from the list published under subclause (II) if a fuel ceases to be included in a State implementation plan or if a fuel in a State implementation plan is identical to a Federal fuel formulation implemented by the Administrator, but the Administrator shall not reduce the total number of fuels authorized under the list published under subclause (II).
Subclause (I) shall not limit the Administrator’s authority to approve a control or prohibition respecting any new fuel under this paragraph in a State implementation plan or revision to a State implementation plan if such new fuel—
completely replaces a fuel on the list published under subclause (II); or
does not increase the total number of fuels on the list published under subclause (II) as of
In the event that the total number of fuels on the list published under subclause (II) at the time of the Administrator’s consideration of a control or prohibition respecting a new fuel is lower than the total number of fuels on such list as of
The Administrator shall have no authority under this paragraph, when considering any particular State’s implementation plan or a revision to that State’s implementation plan, to approve any fuel unless that fuel was, as of the date of such consideration, approved in at least one State implementation plan in the applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense District. However, the Administrator may approve as part of a State implementation plan or State implementation plan revision a fuel with a summertime Reid Vapor Pressure of 7.0 psi. In no event shall such approval by the Administrator cause an increase in the total number of fuels on the list published under subclause (II).
Nothing in this clause shall be construed to have any effect regarding any available authority of States to require the use of any fuel additive registered in accordance with subsection (b), including any fuel additive registered in accordance with subsection (b) after
Penalties and injunctions
Civil penalties
Injunctive authority
Testing of fuels and fuel additives
Not later than one year after
Regulations under subsection (b) to carry out this subsection shall require that the requisite information be provided to the Administrator by each such manufacturer—
prior to registration, in the case of any fuel or fuel additive which is not registered on the date of promulgation of such regulations; or
not later than three years after the date of promulgation of such regulations, in the case of any fuel or fuel additive which is registered on such date.
In promulgating such regulations, the Administrator may—
exempt any small business (as defined in such regulations) from or defer or modify the requirements of, such regulations with respect to any such small business;
provide for cost-sharing with respect to the testing of any fuel or fuel additive which is manufactured or processed by two or more persons or otherwise provide for shared responsibility to meet the requirements of this section without duplication; or
exempt any person from such regulations with respect to a particular fuel or fuel additive upon a finding that any additional testing of such fuel or fuel additive would be duplicative of adequate existing testing.
New fuels and fuel additives
Effective upon
Effective upon
Effective
Any manufacturer of any fuel or fuel additive which prior to
The Administrator, upon application of any manufacturer of any fuel or fuel additive, may waive the prohibitions established under paragraph (1) or (3) of this subsection or the limitation specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if he determines that the applicant has established that such fuel or fuel additive or a specified concentration thereof, and the emission products of such fuel or fuel additive or specified concentration thereof, will not cause or contribute to a failure of any emission control device or system (over the useful life of the motor vehicle, motor vehicle engine, nonroad engine or nonroad vehicle in which such device or system is used) to achieve compliance by the vehicle or engine with the emission standards with respect to which it has been certified pursuant to sections 7525 and 7547(a) of this title. The Administrator shall take final action to grant or deny an application submitted under this paragraph, after public notice and comment, within 270 days of the receipt of such an application.
No action of the Administrator under this section may be stayed by any court pending judicial review of such action.
Misfueling
No person shall introduce, or cause or allow the introduction of, leaded gasoline into any motor vehicle which is labeled “unleaded gasoline only,” which is equipped with a gasoline tank filler inlet designed for the introduction of unleaded gasoline, which is a 1990 or later model year motor vehicle, or which such person knows or should know is a vehicle designed solely for the use of unleaded gasoline.
Beginning
Reid Vapor Pressure requirements
Prohibition
Attainment areas
Effective date; enforcement
Ethanol waiver
For fuel blends containing gasoline and 10 percent denatured anhydrous ethanol, the Reid vapor pressure limitation under this subsection shall be one pound per square inch (psi) greater than the applicable Reid vapor pressure limitations established under paragraph (1); Provided, however, That a distributor, blender, marketer, reseller, carrier, retailer, or wholesale purchaser-consumer shall be deemed to be in full compliance with the provisions of this subsection and the regulations promulgated thereunder if it can demonstrate (by showing receipt of a certification or other evidence acceptable to the Administrator) that—
the gasoline portion of the blend complies with the Reid vapor pressure limitations promulgated pursuant to this subsection;
the ethanol portion of the blend does not exceed its waiver condition under subsection (f)(4); and
no additional alcohol or other additive has been added to increase the Reid Vapor Pressure of the ethanol portion of the blend.
Exclusion from ethanol waiver
Promulgation of regulations
Deadline for promulgation
Effective date
In general
With respect to an area in a State for which the Governor submits a notification under subparagraph (A), the regulations under that subparagraph shall take effect on the later of—
the first day of the first high ozone season for the area that begins after the date of receipt of the notification; or
1 year after the date of receipt of the notification.
Extension of effective date based on determination of insufficient supply
In general
If, after receipt of a notification with respect to an area from a Governor of a State under subparagraph (A), the Administrator determines, on the Administrator’s own motion or on petition of any person and after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, that the promulgation of regulations described in subparagraph (A) would result in an insufficient supply of gasoline in the State, the Administrator, by regulation—
shall extend the effective date of the regulations under clause (i) with respect to the area for not more than 1 year; and
may renew the extension under item (aa) for two additional periods, each of which shall not exceed 1 year.
Deadline for action on petitions
Areas covered
Sulfur content requirements for diesel fuel
Effective
Not later than 12 months after
The sulfur content of fuel required to be used in the certification of 1991 through 1993 model year heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines shall be 0.10 percent (by weight). The sulfur content and cetane index minimum of fuel required to be used in the certification of 1994 and later model year heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines shall comply with the regulations promulgated under paragraph (2).
The States of Alaska and Hawaii may be exempted from the requirements of this subsection in the same manner as provided in section 7625 4
Lead substitute gasoline additives
After
In addition to the other testing which may be required under subsection (b), in the case of the lead substitute gasoline additives referred to in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall develop and publish a test procedure to determine the additives’ effectiveness in reducing valve seat wear and the additives’ tendencies to produce engine deposits and other adverse side effects. The test procedures shall be developed in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and with the input of additive manufacturers, engine and engine components manufacturers, and other interested persons. The Administrator shall enter into arrangements with an independent laboratory to conduct tests of each additive using the test procedures developed and published pursuant to this paragraph. The Administrator shall publish the results of the tests by company and additive name in the Federal Register along with, for comparison purposes, the results of applying the same test procedures to gasoline containing 0.1 gram of lead per gallon in lieu of the lead substitute gasoline additive. The Administrator shall not rank or otherwise rate the lead substitute additives. Test procedures shall be established within 1 year after
The Administrator may impose a user fee to recover the costs of testing of any fuel additive referred to in this subsection. The fee shall be paid by the person proposing to register the fuel additive concerned. Such fee shall not exceed $20,000 for a single fuel additive.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator not more than $1,000,000 for the second full fiscal year after
Any fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited in a special fund in the United States Treasury for licensing and other services which thereafter shall be available for appropriation, to remain available until expended, to carry out the Agency’s activities for which the fees were collected.
Reformulated gasoline for conventional vehicles
EPA regulations
In general
Maintenance of toxic air pollutant emissions reductions from reformulated gasoline
Definition of PADD
Regulations concerning emissions of toxic air pollutants
Standards applicable to specific refineries or importers
Applicability of standards
Applicability of other standards
Credit program
Regional protection of toxics reduction baselines
In general
Not later than 60 days after
the quantity of reformulated gasoline produced that is in excess of the average annual quantity of reformulated gasoline produced in 2001 and 2002; and
the reduction of the average annual aggregate emissions of toxic air pollutants in each PADD, based on retail survey data or data from other appropriate sources.
Effect of failure to maintain aggregate toxics reductions
If, in any calendar year, the reduction of the average annual aggregate emissions of toxic air pollutants in a PADD fails to meet or exceed the reduction of the average annual aggregate emissions of toxic air pollutants in the PADD in calendar years 2001 and 2002, the Administrator, not later than 90 days after the date of publication of the report for the calendar year under subclause (I), shall—
identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the reasons for the failure, including the sources, volumes, and characteristics of reformulated gasoline that contributed to the failure; and
promulgate revisions to the regulations promulgated under clause (ii), to take effect not earlier than 180 days but not later than 270 days after the date of promulgation, to provide that, notwithstanding clause (iii)(II), all reformulated gasoline produced or distributed at each refiner or importer shall meet the standards applicable under clause (iii)(I) beginning not later than April 1 of the calendar year following publication of the report under subclause (I) and in each calendar year thereafter.
Not later than
General requirements
The regulations referred to in paragraph (1) shall require that reformulated gasoline comply with paragraph (3) and with each of the following requirements (subject to paragraph (7)):
NOx emissions
Benzene content
Heavy metals
More stringent of formula or performance standards
The regulations referred to in paragraph (1) shall require compliance with the more stringent of either the requirements set forth in subparagraph (A) or the requirements of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. For purposes of determining the more stringent provision, clause (i) and clause (ii) of subparagraph (B) shall be considered independently.
Formula
Benzene
Aromatics
Lead
Detergents
Performance standard
VOC emissions
Toxics
Any reduction greater than a specific percentage reduction required under this subparagraph shall be treated as satisfying such percentage reduction requirement.
Certification procedures
Regulations
Certification; equivalency
The Administrator shall certify a fuel formulation or slate of fuel formulations as complying with this subsection if such fuel or fuels—
comply with the requirements of paragraph (2), and
achieve equivalent or greater reductions in emissions of ozone forming volatile organic compounds and emissions of toxic air pollutants than are achieved by a reformulated gasoline meeting the applicable requirements of paragraph (3).
EPA determination of emissions level
Prohibition
Effective beginning
The sale or dispensing by any person of conventional gasoline to ultimate consumers in any covered area.
The sale or dispensing by any refiner, blender, importer, or marketer of conventional gasoline for resale in any covered area, without (i) segregating such gasoline from reformulated gasoline, and (ii) clearly marking such conventional gasoline as “conventional gasoline, not for sale to ultimate consumer in a covered area”.
Any refiner, blender, importer or marketer who purchases property 6
Opt-in areas
Classified areas
In general
Effect of insufficient domestic capacity to produce reformulated gasoline
Ozone transport region
Application of prohibition
In general
Publication of application
Period of applicability
Under clause (i), the prohibition specified in paragraph (5) shall apply in a State—
commencing as soon as practicable but not later than 2 years after the date of approval by the Administrator of the application of the Governor of the State; and
ending not earlier than 4 years after the commencement date determined under subclause (I).
Extension of commencement date based on insufficient capacity
In general
If, after receipt of an application from a Governor of a State under clause (i), the Administrator determines, on the Administrator’s own motion or on petition of any person, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, that there is insufficient capacity to supply reformulated gasoline, the Administrator, by regulation—
shall extend the commencement date with respect to the State under clause (ii)(I) for not more than 1 year; and
may renew the extension under item (aa) for 2 additional periods, each of which shall not exceed 1 year.
Deadline for action on petitions
Credits
The regulations promulgated under this subsection shall provide for the granting of an appropriate amount of credits to a person who refines, blends, or imports and certifies a gasoline or slate of gasoline that—
has an aromatic hydrocarbon content (by volume) that is less than the maximum aromatic hydrocarbon content required to comply with paragraph (3); or
has a benzene content (by volume) that is less than the maximum benzene content specified in paragraph (2).
The regulations described in subparagraph (A) shall also provide that a person who is granted credits may use such credits, or transfer all or a portion of such credits to another person for use within the same nonattainment area, for the purpose of complying with this subsection.
The regulations promulgated under subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall ensure the enforcement of the requirements for the issuance, application, and transfer of the credits. Such regulations shall prohibit the granting or transfer of such credits for use with respect to any gasoline in a nonattainment area, to the extent the use of such credits would result in any of the following:
An average gasoline aromatic hydrocarbon content (by volume) for the nonattainment (taking into account all gasoline sold for use in conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles in the nonattainment area) higher than the average fuel aromatic hydrocarbon content (by volume) that would occur in the absence of using any such credits.
An average benzene content (by volume) for the nonattainment area (taking into account all gasoline sold for use in conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles in the nonattainment area) higher than the average benzene content (by volume) that would occur in the absence of using any such credits.
Anti-dumping rules
In general
Adjustments
Compliance determined for each pollutant independently
Compliance period
Baseline for determining compliance
Emissions from entire vehicle
Definitions
For purposes of this subsection—
Baseline vehicles
Baseline gasoline
Summertime
BASELINE GASOLINE FUEL PROPERTIES | |
|---|---|
API Gravity | 57.4 |
Sulfur, ppm | 339 |
Benzene, % | 1.53 |
RVP, psi | 8.7 |
Octane, R+M/2 | 87.3 |
IBP, F | 91 |
10%, F | 128 |
50%, F | 218 |
90%, F | 330 |
End Point, F | 415 |
Aromatics, % | 32.0 |
Olefins, % | 9.2 |
Saturates, % | 58.8 |
Wintertime
Toxic air pollutants
Covered area
Reformulated gasoline
Conventional gasoline
Detergents
Oxygenated fuels
Plan revisions for CO nonattainment areas
Each State in which there is located all or part of an area which is designated under subchapter I as a nonattainment area for carbon monoxide and which has a carbon monoxide design value of 9.5 parts per million (ppm) or above based on data for the 2-year period of 1988 and 1989 and calculated according to the most recent interpretation methodology issued by the Administrator prior to
A plan revision which contains such provisions shall also be submitted by each State in which there is located any area which, for any 2-year period after 1989 has a carbon monoxide design value of 9.5 ppm or above. The revision shall be submitted within 18 months after such 2-year period.
Oxygenated gasoline in CO nonattainment areas
Each plan revision under this subsection shall contain provisions to require that any gasoline sold, or dispensed, to the ultimate consumer in the carbon monoxide nonattainment area or sold or dispensed directly or indirectly by fuel refiners or marketers to persons who sell or dispense to ultimate consumers, in the larger of—
the Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) in which the area is located, or
if the area is not located in a CMSA, the Metropolitan Statistical Area in which the area is located,
be blended, during the portion of the year in which the area is prone to high ambient concentrations of carbon monoxide to contain not less than 2.7 percent oxygen by weight (subject to a testing tolerance established by the Administrator). The portion of the year in which the area is prone to high ambient concentrations of carbon monoxide shall be as determined by the Administrator, but shall not be less than 4 months. At the request of a State with respect to any area designated as nonattainment for carbon monoxide, the Administrator may reduce the period specified in the preceding sentence if the State can demonstrate that because of meteorological conditions, a reduced period will assure that there will be no exceedances of the carbon monoxide standard outside of such reduced period. For areas with a carbon monoxide design value of 9.5 ppm or more of 7
Waivers
The Administrator shall waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of paragraph (2) upon a demonstration by the State to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the use of oxygenated gasoline would prevent or interfere with the attainment by the area of a national primary ambient air quality standard (or a State or local ambient air quality standard) for any air pollutant other than carbon monoxide.
The Administrator shall, upon demonstration by the State satisfactory to the Administrator, waive the requirement of paragraph (2) where the Administrator determines that mobile sources of carbon monoxide do not contribute significantly to carbon monoxide levels in an area.
Any person may petition the Administrator to make a finding that there is, or is likely to be, for any area, an inadequate domestic supply of, or distribution capacity for, oxygenated gasoline meeting the requirements of paragraph (2) or fuel additives (oxygenates) necessary to meet such requirements. The Administrator shall act on such petition within 6 months after receipt of the petition.
If the Administrator determines, in response to a petition under clause (i), that there is an inadequate supply or capacity described in clause (i), the Administrator shall delay the effective date of paragraph (2) for 1 year. Upon petition, the Administrator may extend such effective date for one additional year. No partial delay or lesser waiver may be granted under this clause.
In granting waivers under this subparagraph the Administrator shall consider distribution capacity separately from the adequacy of domestic supply and shall grant such waivers in such manner as will assure that, if supplies of oxygenated gasoline are limited, areas having the highest design value for carbon monoxide will have a priority in obtaining oxygenated gasoline which meets the requirements of paragraph (2).
As used in this subparagraph, the term distribution capacity includes capacity for transportation, storage, and blending.
Fuel dispensing systems
Guidelines for credit
Attainment areas
Failure to attain CO standard
Prohibition on leaded gasoline for highway use
Renewable fuel program
Definitions
In this section:
Additional renewable fuel
Advanced biofuel
In general
Inclusions
The types of fuels eligible for consideration as “advanced biofuel” may include any of the following:
Ethanol derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin.
Ethanol derived from sugar or starch (other than corn starch).
Ethanol derived from waste material, including crop residue, other vegetative waste material, animal waste, and food waste and yard waste.
Biomass-based diesel.
Biogas (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas) produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass.
Butanol or other alcohols produced through the conversion of organic matter from renewable biomass.
Other fuel derived from cellulosic biomass.
Baseline lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
Biomass-based diesel
Cellulosic biofuel
Conventional biofuel
Greenhouse gas
Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
Renewable biomass
The term “renewable biomass” means each of the following:
Planted crops and crop residue harvested from agricultural land cleared or cultivated at any time prior to
Planted trees and tree residue from actively managed tree plantations on non-federal 10
Animal waste material and animal byproducts.
Slash and pre-commercial thinnings that are from non-federal 10 forestlands, including forestlands belonging to an Indian tribe or an Indian individual, that are held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, but not forests or forestlands that are ecological communities with a global or State ranking of critically imperiled, imperiled, or rare pursuant to a State Natural Heritage Program, old growth forest, or late successional forest.
Biomass obtained from the immediate vicinity of buildings and other areas regularly occupied by people, or of public infrastructure, at risk from wildfire.
Algae.
Separated yard waste or food waste, including recycled cooking and trap grease.
Renewable fuel
Small refinery
Transportation fuel
Renewable fuel program
Regulations
In general
Noncontiguous State opt-in
In general
Other actions
In carrying out this clause, the Administrator may—
issue or revise regulations under this paragraph;
establish applicable percentages under paragraph (3);
provide for the generation of credits under paragraph (5); and
take such other actions as are necessary to allow for the application of the renewable fuels program in a noncontiguous State or territory.
Provisions of regulations
Regardless of the date of promulgation, the regulations promulgated under clause (i)—
shall contain compliance provisions applicable to refineries, blenders, distributors, and importers, as appropriate, to ensure that the requirements of this paragraph are met; but
shall not—
restrict geographic areas in which renewable fuel may be used; or
impose any per-gallon obligation for the use of renewable fuel.
Requirement in case of failure to promulgate regulations
Applicable volumes
Calendar years after 2005
Renewable fuel
Calendar year: | Applicable volume of renewable fuel (in billions of gallons): |
|---|---|
2006 | 4.0 |
2007 | 4.7 |
2008 | 9.0 |
2009 | 11.1 |
2010 | 12.95 |
2011 | 13.95 |
2012 | 15.2 |
2013 | 16.55 |
2014 | 18.15 |
2015 | 20.5 |
2016 | 22.25 |
2017 | 24.0 |
2018 | 26.0 |
2019 | 28.0 |
2020 | 30.0 |
2021 | 33.0 |
2022 | 36.0 |
Advanced biofuel
Calendar year: | Applicable volume of advanced biofuel (in billions of gallons): |
|---|---|
2009 | 0.6 |
2010 | 0.95 |
2011 | 1.35 |
2012 | 2.0 |
2013 | 2.75 |
2014 | 3.75 |
2015 | 5.5 |
2016 | 7.25 |
2017 | 9.0 |
2018 | 11.0 |
2019 | 13.0 |
2020 | 15.0 |
2021 | 18.0 |
2022 | 21.0 |
Cellulosic biofuel
Calendar year: | Applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel (in billions of gallons): |
|---|---|
2010 | 0.1 |
2011 | 0.25 |
2012 | 0.5 |
2013 | 1.0 |
2014 | 1.75 |
2015 | 3.0 |
2016 | 4.25 |
2017 | 5.5 |
2018 | 7.0 |
2019 | 8.5 |
2020 | 10.5 |
2021 | 13.5 |
2022 | 16.0 |
Biomass-based diesel
Calendar year: | Applicable volume of biomass-based diesel (in billions of gallons): |
|---|---|
2009 | 0.5 |
2010 | 0.65 |
2011 | 0.80 |
2012 | 1.0 |
Other calendar years
For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the applicable volumes of each fuel specified in the tables in clause (i) for calendar years after the calendar years specified in the tables shall be determined by the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Agriculture, based on a review of the implementation of the program during calendar years specified in the tables, and an analysis of—
the impact of the production and use of renewable fuels on the environment, including on air quality, climate change, conversion of wetlands, ecosystems, wildlife habitat, water quality, and water supply;
the impact of renewable fuels on the energy security of the United States;
the expected annual rate of future commercial production of renewable fuels, including advanced biofuels in each category (cellulosic biofuel and biomass-based diesel);
the impact of renewable fuels on the infrastructure of the United States, including deliverability of materials, goods, and products other than renewable fuel, and the sufficiency of infrastructure to deliver and use renewable fuel;
the impact of the use of renewable fuels on the cost to consumers of transportation fuel and on the cost to transport goods; and
the impact of the use of renewable fuels on other factors, including job creation, the price and supply of agricultural commodities, rural economic development, and food prices.
The Administrator shall promulgate rules establishing the applicable volumes under this clause no later than 14 months before the first year for which such applicable volume will apply.
Applicable volume of advanced biofuel
Applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel
Minimum applicable volume of biomass-based diesel
Applicable percentages
Provision of estimate of volumes of gasoline sales
Determination of applicable percentages
In general
Required elements
The renewable fuel obligation determined for a calendar year under clause (i) shall—
be applicable to refineries, blenders, and importers, as appropriate;
be expressed in terms of a volume percentage of transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States; and
subject to subparagraph (C)(i), consist of a single applicable percentage that applies to all categories of persons specified in subclause (I).
Adjustments
In determining the applicable percentage for a calendar year, the Administrator shall make adjustments—
to prevent the imposition of redundant obligations on any person specified in subparagraph (B)(ii)(I); and
to account for the use of renewable fuel during the previous calendar year by small refineries that are exempt under paragraph (9).
Modification of greenhouse gas reduction percentages
In general
Amount of adjustment
Adjusted reduction levels
5-year review
Subsequent adjustments
Limit on upward adjustments
Applicability of adjustments
Credit program
In general
The regulations promulgated under paragraph (2)(A) shall provide—
for the generation of an appropriate amount of credits by any person that refines, blends, or imports gasoline that contains a quantity of renewable fuel that is greater than the quantity required under paragraph (2);
for the generation of an appropriate amount of credits for biodiesel; and
for the generation of credits by small refineries in accordance with paragraph (9)(C).
Use of credits
Duration of credits
Inability to generate or purchase sufficient credits
The regulations promulgated under paragraph (2)(A) shall include provisions allowing any person that is unable to generate or purchase sufficient credits to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) to carry forward a renewable fuel deficit on condition that the person, in the calendar year following the year in which the renewable fuel deficit is created—
achieves compliance with the renewable fuel requirement under paragraph (2); and
generates or purchases additional renewable fuel credits to offset the renewable fuel deficit of the previous year.
Credits for additional renewable fuel
Seasonal variations in renewable fuel use
Study
Regulation of excessive seasonal variations
Determinations
The determinations referred to in subparagraph (B) are that—
less than 25 percent of the quantity of renewable fuel necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) has been used during 1 of the 2 periods specified in subparagraph (D) of the calendar year;
a pattern of excessive seasonal variation described in clause (i) will continue in subsequent calendar years; and
promulgating regulations or other requirements to impose a 25 percent or more seasonal use of renewable fuels will not prevent or interfere with the attainment of national ambient air quality standards or significantly increase the price of motor fuels to the consumer.
Periods
The 2 periods referred to in this paragraph are—
April through September; and
January through March and October through December.
Exclusion
State exemption from seasonality requirements
Waivers
In general
The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy, may waive the requirements of paragraph (2) in whole or in part on petition by one or more States, by any person subject to the requirements of this subsection, or by the Administrator on his own motion by reducing the national quantity of renewable fuel required under paragraph (2)—
based on a determination by the Administrator, after public notice and opportunity for comment, that implementation of the requirement would severely harm the economy or environment of a State, a region, or the United States; or
based on a determination by the Administrator, after public notice and opportunity for comment, that there is an inadequate domestic supply.
Petitions for waivers
Termination of waivers
Cellulosic biofuel
For any calendar year for which the projected volume of cellulosic biofuel production is less than the minimum applicable volume established under paragraph (2)(B), as determined by the Administrator based on the estimate provided under paragraph (3)(A), not later than November 30 of the preceding calendar year, the Administrator shall reduce the applicable volume of cellulosic biofuel required under paragraph (2)(B) to the projected volume available during that calendar year. For any calendar year in which the Administrator makes such a reduction, the Administrator may also reduce the applicable volume of renewable fuel and advanced biofuels requirement established under paragraph (2)(B) by the same or a lesser volume.
Whenever the Administrator reduces the minimum cellulosic biofuel volume under this subparagraph, the Administrator shall make available for sale cellulosic biofuel credits at the higher of $0.25 per gallon or the amount by which $3.00 per gallon exceeds the average wholesale price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States. Such amounts shall be adjusted for inflation by the Administrator for years after 2008.
Eighteen months after
Biomass-based diesel
Market evaluation
Waiver
Extensions
Modification of applicable volumes
For any of the tables in paragraph (2)(B), if the Administrator waives—
at least 20 percent of the applicable volume requirement set forth in any such table for 2 consecutive years; or
at least 50 percent of such volume requirement for a single year,
the Administrator shall promulgate a rule (within 1 year after issuing such waiver) that modifies the applicable volumes set forth in the table concerned for all years following the final year to which the waiver applies, except that no such modification in applicable volumes shall be made for any year before 2016. In promulgating such a rule, the Administrator shall comply with the processes, criteria, and standards set forth in paragraph (2)(B)(ii).
Study and waiver for initial year of program
In general
Required evaluations
The study shall evaluate renewable fuel—
supplies and prices;
blendstock supplies; and
supply and distribution system capabilities.
Recommendations by the Secretary
Waiver
In general
No effect on waiver authority
Small refineries
Temporary exemption
In general
Extension of exemption
Study by Secretary of Energy
Extension of exemption
Petitions based on disproportionate economic hardship
Extension of exemption
Evaluation of petitions
Deadline for action on petitions
Credit program
Opt-in for small refineries
Ethanol market concentration analysis
Analysis
In general
Scoring
Report
Periodic reviews
To allow for the appropriate adjustment of the requirements described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2), the Administrator shall conduct periodic reviews of—
existing technologies;
the feasibility of achieving compliance with the requirements; and
the impacts of the requirements described in subsection (a)(2) 11
Effect on other provisions
1212 So in original. No subsec. (p) has been enacted. Analyses of motor vehicle fuel changes and emissions model
Anti-backsliding analysis
Draft analysis
Final analysis
Emissions model
Permeation effects study
In general
Evaporative emissions
Fuel and fuel additive importers and importation
Conversion assistance for cellulosic biomass, waste-derived ethanol, approved renewable fuels
In general
Eligible production facilities
A production facility shall be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the production facility—
is located in the United States; and
uses cellulosic or renewable biomass or waste-derived feedstocks derived from agricultural residues, wood residues, municipal solid waste, or agricultural byproducts.
Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated the following amounts to carry out this subsection:
$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.
$250,000,000 for fiscal year 2007.
$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
Definitions
For the purposes of this subsection:
The term “approved renewable fuels” are fuels and components of fuels that have been approved by the Department of Energy, as defined in section 13211 of this title, which have been made from renewable biomass.
The term “renewable biomass” is, as defined in Presidential Executive Order 13134, published in the Federal Register on
Blending of compliant reformulated gasolines
In general
Notwithstanding subsections (h) and (k) and subject to the limitations in paragraph (2) of this subsection, it shall not be a violation of this part 13
each batch of gasoline to be blended has been individually certified as in compliance with subsections (h) and (k) prior to being blended;
the retailer notifies the Administrator prior to such blending, and identifies the exact location of the retail station and the specific tank in which such blending will take place;
the retailer retains and, as requested by the Administrator or the Administrator’s designee, makes available for inspection such certifications accounting for all gasoline at the retail outlet; and
the retailer does not, between June 1 and September 15 of each year, blend a batch of VOC-controlled, or “summer”, gasoline with a batch of non-VOC-controlled, or “winter”, gasoline (as these terms are defined under subsections (h) and (k)).
Limitations
Frequency limitation
Duration of blending period
Surveys
State implementation plans
Preservation of State law
Nothing in this subsection shall—
preempt existing State laws or regulations regulating the blending of compliant gasolines; or
prohibit a State from adopting such restrictions in the future.
Regulations
Effective date
Liability
Formulation of gasoline
Standard specifications for biodiesel
Unless the American Society for Testing and Materials has adopted a standard for diesel fuel containing 20 percent biodiesel (commonly known as “B20”) within 1 year after
Unless the American Society for Testing and Materials has adopted a standard for diesel fuel containing 5 percent biodiesel (commonly known as “B5”) within 1 year after
Whenever the Administrator is required to initiate a rulemaking under paragraph (1) or (2), the Administrator shall promulgate a final rule within 18 months after
Not later than 180 days after
For purposes of this subsection, the term “biodiesel” has the meaning provided by section 13220(f) of this title.
Prevention of air quality deterioration
Study
In general
Considerations
The study shall include consideration of—
different blend levels, types of renewable fuels, and available vehicle technologies; and
appropriate national, regional, and local air quality control measures.
Regulations
Not later than 3 years after
promulgate fuel regulations to implement appropriate measures to mitigate, to the greatest extent achievable, considering the results of the study under paragraph (1), any adverse impacts on air quality, as the result of the renewable volumes required by this section; or
make a determination that no such measures are necessary.
Source
(July 14, 1955, ch. 360, title II, § 211, formerly § 210, as added Pub. L. 90–148, § 2,Notes
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Codification
Prior Provisions
Amendments
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Effective Date of 2005 Amendment
in the case of a State that has received a waiver under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7543(b)), beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [
in the case of any other State, beginning 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act [
Effective Date of 1977 Amendment
Savings
In general.—
Nothing in this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] or any amendment made by this section affects or prejudices any legal claim or action with respect to regulations promulgated by the Administrator [of the Environmental Protection Agency] before the date of enactment of this Act [
emissions of toxic air pollutants from motor vehicles; or
the adjustment of standards applicable to a specific refinery or importer made under those regulations.
Adjustment of standards.—
Applicability.—
The Administrator may apply any adjustments to the standards applicable to a refinery or importer under subparagraph (B)(iii)(I) of section 211(k)(1) of the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7545(k)(1)(B)(iii)(I)] (as added by subsection (b)(2)), except that—
the Administrator shall revise the adjustments to be based only on calendar years 1999 and 2000;
any such adjustment shall not be made at a level below the average percentage of reductions of emissions of toxic air pollutants for reformulated gasoline supplied to PADD I during calendar years 1999 and 2000; and
in the case of an adjustment based on toxic air pollutant emissions from reformulated gasoline significantly below the national annual average emissions of toxic air pollutants from all reformulated gasoline—
the Administrator may revise the adjustment to take account of the scope of the prohibition on methyl tertiary butyl ether imposed by a State; and
any such adjustment shall require the refiner or importer, to the maximum extent practicable, to maintain the reduction achieved during calendar years 1999 and 2000 in the average annual aggregate emissions of toxic air pollutants from reformulated gasoline produced or distributed by the refiner or importer.”
Environmental and Resource Conservation Impacts
In General.—
Not later than 3 years after the enactment of this section [
Environmental issues, including air quality, effects on hypoxia, pesticides, sediment, nutrient and pathogen levels in waters, acreage and function of waters, and soil environmental quality.
Resource conservation issues, including soil conservation, water availability, and ecosystem health and biodiversity, including impacts on forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
The growth and use of cultivated invasive or noxious plants and their impacts on the environment and agriculture.
In advance of preparing the report required by this subsection, the Administrator may seek the views of the National Academy of Sciences or another appropriate independent research institute. The report shall include the annual volume of imported renewable fuels and feedstocks for renewable fuels, and the environmental impacts outside the United States of producing such fuels and feedstocks. The report required by this subsection shall include recommendations for actions to address any adverse impacts found.
Effect on Air Quality and Other Environmental Requirements.—
Except as provided in section 211(o)(12) of the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(12)], nothing in the amendments made by this title to section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act shall be construed as superseding, or limiting, any more environmentally protective requirement under the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.], or under any other provision of State or Federal law or regulation, including any environmental law or regulation.”
Transition Rules
For calendar year 2008, transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States (except in noncontiguous States or territories), that is produced from facilities that commence construction after the date of enactment of this Act [
Until
Survey of Renewable Fuel Market
Survey and report.—
Not later than
conduct, with respect to each conventional gasoline use area and each reformulated gasoline use area in each State, a survey to determine the market shares of—
conventional gasoline containing ethanol;
reformulated gasoline containing ethanol;
conventional gasoline containing renewable fuel; and
reformulated gasoline containing renewable fuel; and
submit to Congress, and make publicly available, a report on the results of the survey under subparagraph (A).
Recordkeeping and reporting requirements.—
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the ‘Administrator’) may require any refiner, blender, or importer to keep such records and make such reports as are necessary to ensure that the survey conducted under paragraph (1) is accurate. The Administrator, to avoid duplicative requirements, shall rely, to the extent practicable, on existing reporting and recordkeeping requirements and other information available to the Administrator including gasoline distribution patterns that include multistate use areas.
Applicable law.—
Activities carried out under this subsection shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect confidentiality of individual responses.”
Findings
since 1979, methyl tertiary butyl ether (hereinafter in this section referred to as ‘MTBE’) has been used nationwide at low levels in gasoline to replace lead as an octane booster or anti-knocking agent;
Public Law 101–549 (commonly known as the ‘Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990’) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) [see Tables for classification] established a fuel oxygenate standard under which reformulated gasoline must contain at least 2 percent oxygen by weight; and
the fuel industry responded to the fuel oxygenate standard established by Public Law 101–549 by making substantial investments in—
MTBE production capacity; and
systems to deliver MTBE-containing gasoline to the marketplace.”
Claims Filed After August 8, 2005
Findings and Sense of Congress on Ethanol Usage
Findings.—
Congress finds that—
the United States is dependent for a large and growing share of its energy needs on the Middle East at a time when world petroleum reserves are declining;
the burning of gasoline causes pollution;
ethanol can be blended with gasoline to produce a cleaner source of fuel;
ethanol can be produced from grain, a renewable resource that is in considerable surplus in the United States;
the conversion of grain into ethanol would reduce farm program costs and grain surpluses; and
increasing the quantity of motor fuels that contain at least 10 percent ethanol from current levels to 50 percent by 1992 would create thousands of new jobs in ethanol production facilities.
Sense of Congress.—
It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should use authority provided under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) to require greater use of ethanol as motor fuel.”