To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive Reid Vapor Pressure requirements with respect to calendar year 2026, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8519
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-18T18:13:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 8519) requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to temporarily waive federal limits on Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP)—a measure of gasoline's volatility that controls evaporation—for gasoline sold during a specific summer period in 2026. The goal is to allow more flexible gasoline production and distribution.
Key Provisions
- Waiver Period: From May 1, 2026, to September 15, 2026.
- Scope: Overrides the Clean Air Act prohibition (section 211(h)) on selling, supplying, or transporting gasoline with RVP exceeding the standard limit.
- Standard Definition: "Applicable standard" refers to the limit in EPA regulations (40 CFR 80.27(a)(2)) or successors, typically 7.8 pounds per square inch (psi) in most areas during summer.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Temporarily suspends federal RVP restrictions under the Clean Air Act, which normally tighten limits in summer (April 1–September 15) to reduce evaporative emissions.
- Applies nationwide, overriding current EPA rules without needing individual area petitions.
Potential Impacts
- Fuel Supply and Prices: Could ease refinery constraints, increase supply of cheaper summer-blend gasoline alternatives, potentially lowering prices for consumers.
- Environment: May slightly increase ground-level ozone (smog) from higher evaporation, affecting air quality in polluted areas.
- Government Agencies: Forces EPA to implement the waiver, limiting its discretion.
- No direct international effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Gasoline refiners and distributors: Gain flexibility in blending fuels.
- Consumers: Possible lower fuel costs.
- EPA and states: EPA must comply; states with poor air quality may see enforcement challenges.
- Environmental groups: Likely oppose due to pollution risks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Uses "notwithstanding" clause to preempt Clean Air Act and EPA rules; could face challenges if seen as undermining statutory authority.
- Constitutional: No direct issues, but raises federalism questions if states' air plans are affected.
- Political: Targets short-term energy affordability amid potential supply disruptions; may spark debate on balancing pollution controls vs. economic needs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-04-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive Reid Vapor Pressure requirements with respect to calendar year 2026, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-04-27 — PDF (2 pages)