LAT: California Eases Gasoline Pollution Standards

[DeepModem Mom]

California Eases Gasoline Pollution Standards
By Tim Reiterman, Times Staff Writer


SAN FRANCISCO -- State air quality officials today temporarily relaxed gasoline evaporation standards to help avoid shortages and price spikes resulting from hurricane-related disruption of Gulf Coast oil operations.

Taking emergency action, California Air Resources Board Executive Director Catherine Witherspoon gave the green light to the sale of gasoline formulated for winter, which officials predict will increase the availability of gas but will also increase pollution.

The decision waived the requirement that only "summer gasoline" with less evaporation can be sold during the high-ozone season, which ends Oct. 31 in most of the state.

During a hearing Thursday in Sacramento, oil industry representatives endorsed the agency's proposed response to the damage Hurricane Katrina inflicted on oil rigs, refineries and distribution facilities.

But environmental groups called for gas conservation to make up for reduced imports. And some challenged the wisdom of easing gasoline standards at a time of year when heat and air stagnation can produce severe air pollution....


http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-090905airboard_lat,0,7441236.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[Erika]

1. and asthma patients will take a hit.

[rodeodance]

2. stupid 'solution' to our energy crisis.

[teryang]

3. mission accomplished n/t