What’s That – State Fuel Standards

One factor that can prevent a business from complying with fuel and fleet regulations is the complexity of fuel standards. Fuel regulations are laws and standards set by the state to govern fuel metering and quality. Each state has its own set of fuel standards that businesses must adhere to in order to maintain safety and sustainability in the handling of oil and gas. In today's "What's That Wednesday," we will explore what these state fuel standards look like in various states and what they can mean for your business.

What Are State Fuel Standards?

State fuel standards are regulations that individual states in the U.S. can implement to address specific local air quality needs. While the federal Clean Air Act sets national fuel emission standards, it also allows states to adopt unique fuel programs, often referred to as "boutique fuels". These state-specific programs typically set stricter requirements than federal standards, such as lower gasoline volatility or specific seasonal formulations to reduce emissions during high pollution periods. For example, some states have lower Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) limits for gasoline during the summer to reduce ozone formation. Certain counties in Texas, including those in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria areas, have historically been subject to lower RVP requirements during the summer ozone season. Similarly, parts of Arizona, like Maricopa County, enforce a summer gasoline RVP limit of 7.0 psi to combat ozone pollution.

Texas Fuel Standards

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees a comprehensive set of regulations to ensure motor fuel quality and metering accuracy. These regulations cover fuel metering devices, fuel suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, service companies, and technicians. The TDLR conducts investigations into fuel quality, pricing, dispenser performance, and suspected skimming devices to ensure consumers receive the correct amount of fuel and that it meets quality standards. Texas promotes the use of alternative fuels by requiring state agency fleets with more than 15 vehicles to use natural gas, propane, ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, or electricity, supporting efforts to reduce emissions and promote cleaner energy sources. The TDLR also provides resources for consumers to report issues such as credit card skimmers at fuel pumps and offers guidelines for protecting oneself from fraudulent activities. These regulations are part of Texas's broader efforts to ensure fair practices in the fuel industry and to promote the use of cleaner, alternative fuels.

Ohio Fuel Standards

Ohio's fuel regulations are designed to ensure the safe storage, handling, and quality of motor fuels, overseen by various state agencies, including the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State Fire Marshal. The Ohio EPA regulates above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) for oil and petroleum products under the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations, requiring facilities with a storage capacity of 1,320 gallons or more to have spill prevention plans and secondary containment measures. The State Fire Marshal's Office mandates specific requirements for storing flammable and combustible liquids. Ohio imposes an excise tax on motor fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and other fuels, with rates periodically updated to fund transportation infrastructure projects. Businesses involved in the sale and distribution of motor fuels must adhere to licensing and reporting requirements as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. The state also supports alternative fuels through various incentives and regulations, promoting the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and propane as cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels.

Colorado Fuel Standards

Colorado has a robust framework for managing fuel storage and handling, overseen by the Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS). This includes stringent regulations for both underground and above-ground petroleum storage tanks, with mandates for regular inspections, maintenance, and reporting to prevent leaks and spills, thereby protecting public health and the environment. The OPS also ensures the quality and accurate measurement of fuel products at retail locations through regular testing and calibration of fuel dispensers. Colorado also promotes the use of alternative fuels with various incentives and regulations, such as requiring state-owned diesel vehicles to use a blend of 20% biodiesel (B20) when available and cost-effective and supporting the use of natural gas and hydrogen as cleaner alternatives. The state imposes a fuel tax on gasoline and special fuels used to power motor vehicles on public roads, which helps fund transportation infrastructure projects across the state. Colorado's comprehensive regulations and initiatives ensure safe and fair practices in the fuel industry while promoting the use of cleaner, alternative energy sources.

Minnesota Fuel Standards

Minnesota has implemented comprehensive regulations for the safe storage and distribution of fuel. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) oversees aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) containing petroleum and hazardous substances, ensuring proper design, maintenance, and secondary containment. Facilities with a storage capacity of one million gallons or more face stricter permitting requirements. The state mandates that all gasoline sold contains at least 10% ethanol to promote biofuels, reduce emissions, and support agriculture. Minnesota imposes a motor fuel tax, including an excise tax and a debt service surcharge, totaling $0.318 per gallon starting January 1, 2025, to fund transportation infrastructure projects. Minnesota is also exploring a Clean Fuels Standard (CFS) to further reduce transportation emissions, create jobs, and attract investment. This initiative aims to cut emissions in half and reduce air and water pollution.

Experience reliable and high-quality service with Mansfield Service Partners, your trusted fuel and lubricants distributor. As the go-to provider in Texas, Ohio, Colorado, and Minnesota, Mansfield Service Partners offers a wide range of fuel and lubricant solutions tailored to meet your business needs. From delivered fuel and industrial lubricants to off-site equipment services, Mansfield Service Partners has you covered. You can trust MSP to adhere to state fuel standards while ensuring exceptional support for your operations. Choose Mansfield Service Partners - the one-stop shop for all your fuel and lubricant needs.

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