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Bill

HR 8519

To require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to waive Reid Vapor Pressure requirements with respect to calendar year 2026, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Mast

The bill would temporarily waive EPA gasoline Reid Vapor Pressure limits from May 1 to Sept 15, 2026, allowing higher RVP gasoline during that period.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8519

Bill Overview

HR 8519, introduced in the 119th Congress, would require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to waive Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements for gasoline during a specified period in 2026. The bill was introduced on April 27, 2026, by Representative Matt Gaetz (assumed from format; sponsor listed as Mr. Mast with a co-sponsor, Brian Mast) and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Purpose and Intent

  • The main purpose is to temporarily suspend the existing RVP standards for gasoline during the 2026 summer driving season to167 allow the sale and distribution of gasoline that exceeds the usual RVP limits.
  • The intention appears to be addressing fuel supply or price concerns by easing constraints on gasoline volatility requirements for a defined window (May 1, 2026 to September 15, 2026).

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 1(a) Waiver: The EPA Administrator must waive the prohibition in section 211(h) of the Clean Air Act for the 2026 period stated. This prohibition ordinarily restricts the sale and distribution of gasoline with RVP above the applicable standard.
  • Section 1(b) Applicable Standard Defined: The bill uses the definition of “applicable standard” as provided in 40 C.F.R. § 80.27(a)(2) (or its successor). This ties the waiver to the regulatory standard currently used to determine permissible RVP levels.
  • Duration: The waiver would apply from May 1, 2026, through September 15, 2026, covering the typical high-demand summer driving months.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Gasoline producers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers: those who handle or sell gasoline in interstate commerce would be able to offer gasoline with higher RVP than normally allowed during the waiver period.
  • Consumers: indirect impact could include changes in gasoline availability or prices during the waiver window, depending on how supply and distribution respond to the relaxation.
  • Regulatory framework: the waiver modifies enforcement and applicability of the standard for the specified months, altering the usual compliance landscape for fuel volatility rules.

Timelines and Procedural Aspects

  • Effective window: May 1, 2026 to September 15, 2026.
  • Regulatory reference: The waiver relies on the existing Clean Air Act framework and 40 C.F.R. § 80.27(a)(2) for defining the applicable standard.
  • Legislative status: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce; no further committee action or floor passage details are provided in the summary.

Notes

  • The bill’s text emphasizes a temporary policy shift rather than a permanent change to RVP requirements.
  • The rationale for the waiver, potential environmental or public health considerations, and any accompanying rider or conditions are not specified in the bill text provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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