Approval of Colorado's Petition to Relax the Federal Gasoline Reid Vapor Pressure Volatility Standard for 1998, 1999, and 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is approving the State of Colorado's January 21, 1998, petition to relax the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard that applies to gasoline introduced into commerce in the Denver-Boulder area from June 1 to September 15. The standard is relaxed from 7.8 pounds per square inches (psi) to 9.0 psi for the years 1998, 1999, and 2000. This action is being taken under section 211(h)(1) of the Clean Air Act as Amended in 1990 (CAA) to modify EPA's gasoline volatility regulations promulgated June 11, 1990 and modified December 12, 1991. The Agency does not believe that this action will cause environmental harm to Denver- Boulder's residents. The area has been in compliance with the ozone standard since 1987. The Denver-Boulder area's gasoline has had a 9.0 psi standard since 1992. In addition to today's approval, EPA has approved relaxations of Denver-Boulder's RVP standard from 7.8 psi to 9.0 psi for the past six years, from 1992 through 1997.