Petition by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for Exemption From Anti-Dumping and Detergent Additization Requirements for Conventional Gasoline

The Environmental Protection Agency (``EPA'' or ``the Agency'') is granting a petition by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (``CNMI'') for exemption from the anti-dumping requirements for gasoline sold in the United States after January 1, 1995. This action is being taken because of CNMI's unique geographic location and economic factors. If the gasoline anti-dumping exemption were not granted, CNMI would be required to import gasoline from a supplier meeting the anti-dumping requirements adding a considerable expense to gasoline purchased by the CNMI consumer. CNMI is in full attainment with the national ambient air quality standard for ozone. This action is not expected to cause harmful environmental effects to the citizens of CNMI. EPA is not granting CNMI's petition for exemption from the fuel detergent additization requirements that all gasoline sold in the U.S. after January 1, 1995 contain fuel detergents. CNMI did not show that these requirements were unreasonable or infeasible due to any unique local factors. The fuel detergent additization requirements are designed to prevent the build-up of deposits in gasoline engines and fuel supply systems. By controlling such desposits in CNMI's vehicles, harmful engine exhaust emissions will be reduced. This action is being taken as a direct final decision because EPA believes that this decision is noncontroversial. The effects of this decision are limited to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.