a new product it had developed, RFG, could be substituted for alternative fuels. The industry contended that RFG would achieve the same emissions reductions that alternative fuels would without requiring a complete retooling of the automobile industry to manufacture new types of cars (Origin of the..., 1995, 1). In summation, it was claimed that "Reformulated gas is a new kind of gasoline designed to lower ozone levels and smog, which is a separate problem from carbon monoxide. Reformulated gas is strictly limited in components like benzene and sulfur, and has a lower evaporation rate. It is the cleanest burning gasoline in the world" (Gas Additives Needless..., 1997).
The industry position was ultimately accepted, although initially it was to be tested in the nine areas with the worst smog problems (Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Houston, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Hartford, and New York City). Eventually, the EPA extended the program to cover several other areas which had a demonstrated history of smog problems. Such extensions would be granted on a case-by-case basis, requiring the request of the State Governor for EPA action (Origin of the..., 1995, 1).
In compliance with the Clean Air Act rules, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan made the required request of the EPA, and the Agency issued its proposal on September 15. The EPA seemed to be rushing the rule through, offering only a brief period for public comment, stating that "the Agency will hold a public hearing on today's proposal if one is requested by September 22, 1998. If a public hearing is held, it will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 1998. If a public hearing is held on today's proposal, comments must be received by October 30, 1998. If a hearing is not held, comments must be received by October 15, 1998" (Regulation of fuels..., 1998, 49317).
The EPA probably was, in fact, attempting to rush the rule through with as little public notice as ...