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Boutique Fuels List Under Section 1541(b) of the Energy Policy Act
EPA420-F-06-065
December 2006
Download PDF version of this fact sheet formatted for print. (2 pp, 80K, About PDF)
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) required the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish a list of fuels that are approved in all State Implementation Plans (SIPs). The list includes the states and Petroleum Administration for Defense Districts (PADDs) where the fuels are used. Publication of the list is intended to reduce the number of different fuels required around the country and, thus, increase the fungibility of fuels. This list finalizes a draft list of boutique fuels put forth in June, and will serve as the basis for any future adoption of boutique fuels.
The EPAct required EPA, in consultation with the Department of Energy, to determine the total number of fuels approved into all SIPs as of September 1, 2004. The EPAct also required EPA to publish a list of such fuels (often referred to as "boutique fuels"), including the states and PADDs in which they are used. The boutique fuel provision in the EPAct makes an effort to reduce the number of different fuels required around the country and thus, increase the fungibility of fuels.
Most fuels travel through common carrier pipelines based upon general specifications, most of which are dictated seasonally and by regulation. Terminals have limited storage tanks. The proliferation of different fuels creates a serious challenge to production, distribution, and storage, especially during times of disruption such as refinery shutdowns or weather related damage. The list and the EPAct limitations placed upon EPA's ability to approve future fuels in SIPs are intended by Congress to limit further expansion of boutique fuels.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Fuels programs will continue to provide clean air and human health benefits. Many fuels programs are designed to address ground level ozone or "smog" and to reduce toxic emissions from the fuel burned in cars and trucks. Smog threatens the health of millions of Americans each year and is particularly dangerous to children and individuals with respiratory problems.
You can access the Final List of Boutique Fuels on EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality Web site at:
- For further information, please contact Anne Pastorkovich at:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Office of Transportation and Air Quality (6406J)
- 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Washington, DC 20460
- 202) 343-9623
- E-mail: pastorkovich.anne-marie@epa.gov