WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive federal clean diesel fuel requirements in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and in and around New York City to allow the use of home heating oil in highway vehicles, nonroad vehicles, and nonroad equipment designated by the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York for emergency response. These waivers were granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson determined that, as a result of effects of Hurricane Sandy, extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist, which may result in a temporary shortage of diesel fuel compliant with federal regulations. The federal waivers will help ensure an adequate supply of fuel for emergency response in the impacted areas of New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania, according to the EPA.

These waivers temporarily allow the use of heating oil in highway vehicles, nonroad vehicles, and nonroad equipment types involved in disaster recovery efforts designated by the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, if ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel is not available. These waivers will not apply to a subset of newer products that could be damaged by the high sulfur fuel.

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