News Releases for August 2007
August 29, 2007
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Hoeven Continues To Press Industry To Help With Gas Prices, EPA Grants Waiver
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed at his request to a 20-day waiver allowing Canadian gasoline imports to North Dakota to address tight fuel supplies and hold the line on prices. The fuel would otherwise be available in the United States after Sept. 15th due to the expiration of EPA “summer blend” rules. Today’s move accelerates the date, helping to boost supplies immediately.
“I’m concerned about pricing and recent fuel shortages, so we’re pushing the industry to get more fuel into North Dakota and take the pressure off prices at the pump,” Hoeven said. “The industry needs to step up and help consumers by increasing fuel supplies and easing prices.”
Hoeven sent a letter to EPA Administrator Steven Johnson Monday requesting the 20-day waiver on fuel imports from Canada. Yesterday, he contacted EPA officials by phone and asked that the process be expedited. The waiver will provide shippers and pipelines with access to additional fuel. With EPA assistance, the Governor has identified nearly 1.5 million gallons of fuel.
The Governor has contacted officials at Marathon and Koch refineries in St. Paul, Minn., and the Cenex Refinery in Laurel, Mont., and other refineries, including Conoco Phillips, Coffeville and Tesoro here in North Dakota. According to Hoeven, Mandan-based Tesoro has agreed to shift more of its fuel from out-of-state markets into North Dakota. The Cenex Refinery has agreed to ship additional fuel for the weekend into Minot. The other refineries have agreed to work to ship more product to the state. The Magellan Pipeline said that additional supplies of fuel will be delivered to the Fargo area within the next several days.
Hoeven has taken a number of steps to help with potential pricing pressure and tight supplies. He has:
- Waived hours of service restrictions until September 9 for fuel delivery drivers in the state to help with long waits at distribution points.
- Secured an EPA waiver to increase supplies from Canada.
- Pressed refineries to provide more fuel to North Dakota to increase supply and help ease prices.
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