The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry announced on April 17 a temporary emergency rule that suspends state regulations on gasoline ethanol blending limits and reid vapor pressure standards. This action follows a nationwide waiver issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to fuel supply disruptions linked to global events in the Middle East.
The temporary rule allows gasoline with ethanol content between 9 and 15 percent at a single reid vapor pressure standard of 10 psi to be sold in Louisiana. The department said this measure is necessary to ensure an adequate supply of gasoline for consumers, citing potential risks to public health, safety, and welfare if existing rules were not suspended.
According to the EPA’s March 25 waiver under the Clean Air Act, these changes are meant to address extreme fuel supply circumstances affecting all parts of the United States. The EPA’s decision extends the allowable ethanol blend from 10 percent up to 15 percent and reinstates certain volatility allowances for ethanol blends in some states (source). The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said it will maintain its emergency suspension as long as the federal waiver remains active.
After this temporary rule expires, only gasoline meeting Louisiana’s original requirements may be introduced into terminal storage tanks for distribution. However, any fuel already stored under the terms of this waiver can continue being distributed until supplies run out.
The department supports community well-being through initiatives like Stay Rooted Louisiana (official website), manages recreational areas such as Indian Creek Campground (official website), promotes agriculture via regulatory programs (official website), reaches communities statewide (official website), offers licensing and inspections along with farmers markets and veteran programs (official website), operates throughout Louisiana (official website), and oversees nutrition programs for local produce while honoring family farms through initiatives like the Century Farm Program (official website).
This emergency rule took effect immediately upon signature by the commissioner on April 17, lasting up to 180 days unless renewed or rescinded.
