Gasoline volatility, as measured by
Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) in pounds per square inch (psi), is
controlled in the spring and summer in order to minimize
evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from motor vehicles. The federal
RVP standard is 7.8 psi for southern states and 9.0 psi for
northern states. The addition of ethanol to gasoline increases the
RVP by about 1 psi. Gasoline that contains 9 to 10 volume percent
ethanol is subject to a standard that is 1 psi greater. As an aid
to industry compliance and EPA enforcement, the product transfer
document which accompanies a shipment of gasoline containing
ethanol is required by regulation to contain a legible and
conspicuous statement that the gasoline contains ethanol and the
percentage concentration of ethanol. This is intended to deter the
mixing within the distribution system , particularly in retail
storage tanks, of gasoline which contans 9 to 10 percent ethanol
with gasoline which does not contain ethanol in that range. Such
mixing would likely result in a gasoline with an ethanol
concentration outside of 9 to 10 volume percent but with an RVP
above the standard. Parties wishing to conduct research or
emissions certification on gasoline that does not meet the
volatility standard must submit certain information to EPA in order
to obtain a testing exemption.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.