PRESS RELEASE

EPA Fuel Waiver Will Make Gas More Available in Southeast U.S.
Department of Environmental Quality News Update
BATON ROUGE, La. (September 5, 2008) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a request for an extension to a waiver of certain fuel requirements, according to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

EPA first granted the extension to the waiver which will allow the state flexibility in the management of gasoline deliveries during storm preparations and response on Aug. 29. The extension, which EPA approved today, means gas will be more readily available. This waiver will allow fuel providers to more effectively manage fuel shipments and to minimize fuel shortages.

The extension was requested and granted based on the large amount of damage and extensive power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav that have disrupted the flow of certain types of gas. The original waiver was requested in an attempt to alleviate anticipated fuel shortages as a result of evacuations, emergency preparations and response actions.

The fuel waiver also includes fuel requirements in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

For the latest on Hurricane Gustav, you can visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

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