Summer Gas Rules Designed to Reduce Smog Take Effect Sunday

Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area.

Effective Sunday, June 1, 2014, 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.

Additionally, with summer gas prices on the rise, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MDARD) inspectors are inspecting gas pumps to ensure motorists are getting what they pay for at the pump.

"Michigan has approximately 100,000 gas pumps and it's our charge to make sure those pumps are dispensing both the correct quantity and the proper quality of gas every time someone gets gas. Every penny counts when you are filling your tank," said MDARD Director Jamie Clover Adams. "Also, the lower vapor pressure in the eight counties selling the summer-formula gasoline will prevent over 28 tons of smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere per day. Smog can be especially harmful to individuals with respiratory difficulties such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases."

Not only are MDARD inspectors out enforcing Michigan's Weights and Measures Acts for accurate dispensing of gas, but the department is also responsible for enforcing ozone protection measures in accordance with Michigan's Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984. This program was introduced in 1996, and decreases volatile compounds in the air by using gasoline that is slower to evaporate, benefitting the health of Michigan’s consumers.

To prevent gasoline from being sold that violates the ozone limits, MDARD inspectors will collect vapor pressure samples during the summer gas season which runs June 1 through September 15.

Want to know how MDARD inspect gas pumps for accuracy? Check out our video atwww.youtube.com/MIAgriculture

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 gas pricing visit one of the following websites www.michigan.gov/gasprices or www.michigan.gov/gasolinecorner.