Use of Alternative Analytical Test Methods in the Reformulated Gasoline, Anti-Dumping, and Tier 2 Gasoline Sulfur Control Programs

This direct final rule allows the use of certain alternative analytical test methods for measuring sulfur in gasoline and butane to be used in the Federal reformulated gasoline (RFG) and anti-dumping program and the Federal gasoline sulfur control program. This direct final rule also establishes that a refinery may use any reasonable test method designed for measuring the sulfur content of butane until January 1, 2004. After that date, either the designated analytical test method or an allowed alternative analytical test method must be used. The purpose of today's rule is to grant temporary flexibility until we issue a comprehensive performance-based analytical test methods rule and to fulfill the terms of a recent settlement agreement related to gasoline sulfur test methods.