Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is preparing to implement its annual summer gasoline program aimed at reducing emissions in southeast Michigan. The program, running from June 1 to September 15, mandates that gasoline suppliers and retailers in eight counties adhere to a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) limit of no more than 7.0 pounds per square inch.

"MDARD's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our fellow Michiganders begins with protecting the health of our soil, water and air," stated MDARD Director Tim Boring. He emphasized that the summer gasoline program supports Governor Whitmer's Healthy Climate Plan by contributing to environmental protection efforts.

Initiated in 1996, the program was established after ozone levels in Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties surpassed standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing and collect samples for analysis to ensure compliance with the low-RVP requirement. This initiative aims to enhance air quality, safeguard public health, and maintain federal highway funding for Michigan.

Craig VanBuren, Director of MDARD's Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau explained that "summer formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps prevent the release of smog-causing compounds into the atmosphere." He noted that enforcing a maximum RVP during summer months aids in protecting air quality across Michigan.

RVP measures gasoline volatility; higher volatility results in increased evaporation into the air. In summer heat, high-RVP gasoline can evaporate rapidly contributing to ground-level ozone build-up—a primary component of smog which poses various health risks including asthma attacks and respiratory infections.

Under Michigan's Motor Fuel Quality Act of 1984, MDARD is responsible for enforcing ozone protection measures statewide. Concerns about fuel quality or pricing can be reported via MDARD's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).