SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a successful effort to grant the state an EPA waiver to protect the state’s fuel supply in the wake of an oil refinery disaster earlier this month.
On Tuesday, Pritzker’s office announced “proactive steps” in dealing with potential fuel supply disruptions following an electrical fire which led to the partial shutdown of a BP oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana on Aug. 24.
According to a news release, there were no deaths or injuries reported and the fire was successfully extinguished, but damage to the facility led to the partial shutdown.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim said, “U.S. EPA’s approval of Governor Pritzker’s request for an emergency fuel waiver will help prevent major disruption to regional fuel supplies while still protecting the health and safety of Illinois residents.”
The Whiting BP facility produces 430,000 barrels-per-day and provides fuel to neighboring states.
Governor Pritzker’s office says the temporary waiver will remain effective for Illinois through September 15, 2022. It will allow for high volatility gasoline to be sold during the summer months.
The waiver also means that Illinois corn farmers will provide the needed fuel through their ethanol production, which is a lower emission alternative to gasoline produced without ethanol.
