80.265 How will the EPA approve or disapprove a hardship extension application?

[Editor’s Note: This section is removed and reserved effective January 1, 2022.]

(a) EPA will evaluate each application for hardship extension on a case-by-case basis. The factors considered for a hardship extension may include: The refiner's financial position and efforts to obtain capital funding; the refiner's efforts to procure necessary equipment, obtain design and engineering services and construction contractors; the availability of desulfurization equipment; and any other relevant factor. An extension will be granted for a refinery for the 2008 averaging period if the small refiner who owns the refinery adequately demonstrates that severe economic hardship would result if compliance with the standards in§80.195is required in 2008, or that compliance with the standard in 2008 is not feasible for reasons beyond the refiner's control, and that the refiner has made the best efforts possible to achieve compliance with the national standards by January 1, 2008. Upon reapplication by the refiner, if EPA determines that further relief is appropriate, EPA may grant a further extension through the 2009 averaging period. In no case will a further extension for the 2009 averaging period be granted unless the refiner demonstrates conclusively that it has financing in place and that it will be able to complete construction and meet the national gasoline sulfur standards no later than December 31, 2009.