State of Alaska Petition for Exemption From Diesel Fuel Sulfur Requirement

On December 12, 1995, the Governor of Alaska petitioned EPA to permanently exempt the areas of Alaska served by the Federal Aid Highway System from the requirements of EPA's low-sulfur diesel fuel program for motor vehicles. On August 19, 1996, EPA extended the existing temporary exemption until October 1, 1998, and on April 28, 1998, EPA proposed to grant a permanent exemption (63 FR 23241). EPA has received significant public comments and new information concerning EPA's proposal and needs additional time to further evaluate the issues concerning a permanent exemption. Consequently, EPA is granting a temporary exemption to Alaska for a period of nine months (i.e., until July 1, 1999) so that EPA and the State of Alaska have ample time to consider and evaluate the public comments and new information before EPA makes a final decision on the petition. This decision is not expected to have a significant impact on the ability of Alaska's communities to attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for carbon monoxide and particulate matter, due to the limited contribution of emissions from diesel motor vehicles in those areas and the sulfur level currently found in motor vehicle diesel fuel used in Alaska.