Indiana Oil Refinery Fire Impacts Wisconsin, Other States

A fire last week at an Indiana oil refinery has caused the Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily lift a federal rule for fuel sales in four states to help reduce the chance the refinery’s temporary shutdown could effect gas prices and supply.

The emergency waiver was granted Saturday for Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said.

Regan said the waiver is necessary “to minimize or prevent disruption of an adequate supply of gasoline to consumers.”

The temporary waiver, stops the Clear Air Act requirement that lower-volatility gasoline be sold in the affected states during summer months to limit ozone pollution.

The waiver is in effect until Sept. 15.

The BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, just southeast of Chicago, experienced an electrical fire Wednesday which caused a loss of utilities in other parts of the refinery, forcing a partial shutdown.

The company said Sunday it is working toward a “phased restart of the refinery,” but no date was given.

The refinery provides about 20% to 25% of the gasoline, jet fuel and diesel used by the four states involved.