Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Court Ruling to Stay Transition to Reformulated Gasoline

ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding a Federal District Court’s decision to stay its order requiring the transition to reformulated gasoline:

"I am pleased by the Court's decision today. Georgia is currently using the most appropriate gas to improve our air quality. A transition to reformulated gas will not only make it more difficult for Atlanta to meet federal air quality standards, but it will also make gasoline more expensive for Georgia citizens."

The state is appealing the District Court's decision mandating the transition to reformulated gasoline to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. During this appeal process, fuel suppliers in the metro Atlanta area will not be required to make the transition. Georgia currently requires the use of a low sulfur gasoline specially formulated to address Atlanta's ozone problem.

The state had previously asked District Court Judge Clarence Cooper to stay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing the reformulated gasoline requirements. Upon denial of that request, the state is now appealing to the 11th Circuit.