Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area. Effective on Monday, June 1, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense gas that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch (psi) vapor pressure.
Summer-formula gasoline has a two-fold benefit to Michiganders. It increases your vehicles fuel efficiency because the gasoline contains more energy than winter gas and it helps prevent more than 28 tons of smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere per day, said Craig VanBuren, Director of Motor Fuels Quality and Weights and Measure programs, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which begins on June 1 and ends on September 15.”
MDARD, as part of its duties under Michigan’s Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, is charged with enforcing ozone protection measures in addition to assuring the quality of the gasoline being dispensed in the state.
This program was introduced in 1996, due to monitored violations of the National Ambient Air Quality for ozone, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Air Act, in the Detroit area. Enforcing the low-RVP requirement by MDARD ensures Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding dollars.
Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARDs 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).
For additional information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/wminfo.
Looking for more information on gas pricing, visit one of the following websites www.michigan.gov/gasprices or www.michigan.gov/gasolinecorner.
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, (517) 284-5724 or holtonj@michigan.gov
