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)