Topeka ? In response to concerns about heightened fuel costs caused by Hurricane Katrina, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced today that Kansas will accept a waiver on fuel blends issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Lifting these restrictions on gasoline and diesel fuel is designed to help alleviate potential fuel production and supply issues. The State of Kansas will accept this temporary waiver of standards in response to the problems resulting from Hurricane Katrina,” Sebelius said in a prepared statement issued by her office.

Because Hurricane Katrina has limited gasoline production along the gulf coast, the EPA has informed states that it is waiving two federal restrictions on gasoline and diesel fuels.

Use of low-volatility gasoline (RFG) required in designated areas during the summer will now be temporarily waived. Also, restrictions on sulfur content and red dye in diesel fuels was also waived.

In a letter to Sebelius late Wednesday, EPA Administrator Steven Johnson said the action was taken to minimize or prevent supply disruptions.

Specifically, the EPA is waiving the requirement that designated areas use low-volatility gasoline (RFG) during the summer months in order to limit the formation of ozone pollution. The requirement to use this gasoline typically ends Sept. 15. The Kansas City metro area falls under this designation.

In addition, the EPA is waiving the requirement that diesel fuel have a sulfur content that does not exceed 500 parts per million (ppm) and be free of visible evidence of red dye.

The EPA will allow regulators to sell and use diesel fuel with more than 500 ppm of sulfur and with visible red dye. This waiver runs through Sept. 15. Fuel distributors will be allowed to continue selling this product after Sept. 15 to deplete their remaining supplies.

Suppliers are asked to continue using current supplies of low-volatility gasoline and diesel fuel with restricted sulfur and red dye until those supplies are depleted.