Governor Perdue Takes New Actions to Conserve Fuel in Georgia

EPA Extends Waiver of Sulfur Requirements; Governor Encourages State to Adopt Four-Day Work Week

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue took new actions to encourage fuel conservation in Georgia. At the Governor’s request, Dr. Carol Couch, Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extend the relief provided from a waiver of sulfur requirements for gasoline and diesel fuel. The original waiver granting enforcement discretion for sulfur requirements in gasoline and diesel fuel was granted on August 31, and scheduled to last through September 15. Georgia requested that EPA extend the waiver until October 5. This afternoon EPA agreed to extend the waiver until October 5.

“There will likely be a prolonged need for Georgians to continue to conserve fuel,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The extension of this waiver will help prevent gasoline and diesel fuel shortages in the near future.”

Also today, Governor Perdue sent an e-mail to all state agency department heads, strongly encouraging them to explore opportunities for a four-day work week or telecommuting options among their employees.

“I would like to ask you to examine your work force again and determine if teleworking or a four-day work week would be appropriate options for your employees,” Governor Perdue wrote. “As the single largest employer in Georgia, state government needs to set a positive example by using fuel in an efficient manner.” Governor Perdue asked all agency heads to report their progress to the Governor’s Office.