The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has waived temporarily federal clean diesel fuel requirements in New Jersey to allow for the use of home heating oil because of Hurricane Sandy.

The Washington-based EPA said in a news release it exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to allow for the use in most generators and pumps in emergency service in New Jersey if ultra low-sulfur fuel is not available. The EPA granted the waiver in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson determined that, as a result of Hurricane Sandy, there may be temporary shortages of diesel fuel compliant with federal regulations.  The federal waivers will help ensure an adequate supply of fuel for emergency response in New Jersey.