An Act To Update and Simplify Maine Gasoline Requirements
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, in order to meet federal Clean Air Act requirements, from May 1st to September 15th, retailers who sell gasoline in 7 southern counties in the State may sell only gasoline that has a Reid vapor pressure no greater than 7.8 psi; and
Whereas, before the State can require the 7 counties to sell only reformulated gasoline during the summer months, the Department of Environmental Protection must submit a request to the United States Environmental Protection Agency; and
Whereas, sufficient lead time is necessary for submittal of the State's request by the Department of Environmental Protection and review of the State's request by the United States Environmental Protection Agency prior to the 2014 summer season; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Sec. 1. 38 MRSA §582, sub-§10-B is enacted to read:
Sec. 2. 38 MRSA §585-N is enacted to read:
§ 585-N. Reformulated gasoline
Beginning May 1, 2014, a retailer who sells gasoline in York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox or Lincoln County may sell only reformulated gasoline in those counties.
Sec. 3. Report. The Department of Environmental Protection shall study the feasibility of easing the multiple gasoline requirements in this State and achieving the use of a single type of gasoline for all of the State. The Department of Environmental Protection shall submit a report and implementing legislation directing the State to use a single type of gasoline to the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources by December 4, 2013. The Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources may report out a bill on the subject matter of the department's report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.