LANSING — Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area. Effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 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 vapor pressure.

The summer gasoline 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.

“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 be conducting 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.

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 Michigan.gov/WMInfo.

Looking for additional information on gasoline; please visit: MDARD – Michigan’s Gasoline Corner.

— Michigan Department of Agriculture

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