What is
the Summer Fuel Blend?
During ozone season, June 1st through September 15th,
Tulsa has implemented a voluntary summer fuels program. Tulsa area
gasoline suppliers agree to supply a cleaner gasoline blend than what is
required. The voluntary program establishes that the 87 octane gasoline
in the Tulsa Transportation Management Area (TMA) have a base Reid Vapor
Pressure (RVP) of 7.8 psi (low-RVP).
RVP is a measure of a fuel's volatility and thereby
affects the rate at which gasoline evaporates and emits volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). The lower a fuel's RVP, the lower the rate of
evaporation for the fuel. The RVP of gasoline can be lowered by reducing
the amount of its volatile components, such as butane. Lowering RVP in
the summer months can offset the effect of summer temperature upon the
evaporation of gasoline, which in turn lowers emissions of VOCs. Because
VOCs are a component in the formation of ground level ozone on sunny,
hot summer days, reduction of RVP continues to assist the Tulsa area to
reduce ozone by reducing VOC emissions from vehicles.
How was it established?
During the 2000 Ozone Season, the region
experienced high ozone levels; the EPA 1-hour and 8-hour ozone standards
were exceeded. Faced with issues of public health, and the economic
consequences of pending non-attainment, a strategic policy stakeholder
group (consisting of fuel providers, fuel retailers, government,
industry and citizens) was formed. In January 2001 the stakeholders
group recommended that cleaner burning gasoline be part of the region's
overall control strategy. Since the inception of the Summer Fuels
Program, area ozone levels have improved considerably.
Who participates?
All major suppliers in the Tulsa TMA voluntarily participate.
Tulsa TMA Summer Fuel Program Components
June 1 through September 15
Tulsa Transportation Management Area geographic region
Voluntarily provided
7.8 psi (or lower) RVP Base Fuel
Tulsa TMA Summer Fuel Blend includes 87 octane fuel only,
approximately 85% of the consumer on-road market.
Low RVP gasoline averaged monthly allows suppliers
maximum flexibility to adjust to unforeseen market supply issues (can
temporarily suspend program in the event of supply emergency - e.g.
9/11, Hurricane Katrina)
