An Act To Delay Implementation of Reformulated Gasoline Requirements in Maine
Maine Legislature, Session 126, LD 1796
Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
Amends: 38 MRSA §585-N

Legislative Document 
No. 1796 
S.P. 718 
In Senate, February 27, 2014 
An Act To Delay Implementation of Reformulated Gasoline 
Requirements in Maine 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reported by Senator BOYLE of Cumberland for the Joint Standing Committee on 
Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to Public Law 2013, chapter 221, section 3. 
Reference to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources suggested and ordered 
printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218. 
DAREK M. GRANT 
Secretary of the Senate 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, current law requires the sale of reformulated gasoline in 7 southern 
counties in the State beginning on May 1, 2014; and 
Whereas, due to recent developments in the gasoline supply network, gasoline 
distributors in the State are unable to meet this requirement without significant expense, 
which could impact pricing across the State; and 
Whereas, in order to meet federal Clean Air Act requirements, from May 1st to 
September 15th, retailers who sell gasoline in 7 southern counties in the State may sell 
only gasoline that has a Reid vapor pressure no greater than 7.8 psi; and 
Whereas, before the State can require the 7 counties to sell only reformulated 
gasoline during the summer months, the Department of Environmental Protection must 
submit a request to the United States Environmental Protection Agency; and 
Whereas, sufficient lead time is necessary for submission of the State's request by 
the Department of Environmental Protection and review of the State's request by the 
United States Environmental Protection Agency prior to the 2015 summer season; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  38 MRSA §585-N, as enacted by PL 2013, c. 221, §2, is amended to read: 
§585-N.  Reformulated gasoline 
Beginning May 1, 2014 June 1, 2015, a retailer who sells gasoline in York, 
Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox or Lincoln County may sell 
only reformulated gasoline in those counties. 
Sec. 2.  Report.  The Department of Environmental Protection shall study the 
feasibility of easing the multiple gasoline requirements in this State and achieving the use 
of a single type of gasoline for all of the State. The Department of Environmental 
Protection shall submit a report and implementing legislation directing the State to use a 
single type of gasoline to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having 
jurisdiction over environment and natural resources matters by January 30, 2015. The 
joint standing committee may report out a bill on the subject matter of the department's 
report to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and 
Natural Resources pursuant to Public Law 2013, chapter 221, section 3.  This bill extends 
by one year and one month the implementation date for reformulated gasoline to be the 
only gasoline sold in 7 southern counties in the State.  The bill also requires the 
Department of Environmental Protection to study the feasibility of easing the multiple 
gasoline requirements in this State and achieving the use of a single type of gasoline for 
all of the State and to submit a report and implementing legislation directing the State to 
use a single type of gasoline to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having 
jurisdiction over environment and natural resources matters by January 30, 2015.  The 
joint standing committee is authorized to report out a bill on the subject matter of the 
department's report to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature. 
Approved: 02/25/14
LD     
LR 2803(01)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to submit a report and implementing legislation 
to the Legislature by January 30, 2015 directing the State to use a single type of gasoline. Any additional costs to the 
DEP to study the feasibility of easing multiple gasoline requirements and using a single type of gasoline are expected 
to be minor and can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
An Act To Delay Implementation of Reformulated Gasoline Requirements in Maine
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
LR2803(01) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1