For immediate release: May 15, 2017                                       Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

LANSING, MI – Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area.  Effective Thursday, June 1, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense gas that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch (psi) vapor pressure.  

“Summer-formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, Laboratory Division Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.”

MDARD, as part of its duties under Michigan's Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, is charged with enforcing ozone protection measures in addition to assuring the quality of the gasoline being dispensed in the state. 

This program was introduced in 1996, due to monitored violations of the National Ambient Air Quality for ozone, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Air Act, in the Detroit area.  Enforcing the low-RVP requirement by MDARD ensures Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding dollars.

Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835).

For additional information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, please visit www.michigan.gov/wminfo.  

Looking for more information on gas pricing, visit one of the following websites http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16389_30042---,00.html or www.michigan.gov/gasolinecorner.

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