Regulation of Fuel and Fuel Additives: Extension of California Enforcement Exemptions for Reformulated Gasoline Beyond December 31, 1999

With this direct final rule the EPA continues to exempt refiners, importers, and blenders of gasoline subject to the State of California's reformulated gasoline regulations from certain enforcement provisions in the Federal reformulated gasoline regulations. Current exemptions applicable under the Federal Phase I reformulated gasoline program will expire after December 31, 1999, when the Federal Phase II reformulated gasoline program begins. Today's direct final rule extends the California enforcement exemptions beyond that date. The Agency is publishing this action as a direct final rule because it does not expect it to be controversial. An accompanying notice of proposed rulemaking is being published in today's Federal Register.