(a) EPA may permit a refiner to produce and distribute gasoline which does not meet the requirements of this subpart if the refiner demonstrates that:

(1) Unusual circumstances exist that impose extreme hardship and significantly affect ability to comply by the applicable date; and

(2) It has made best efforts to comply with the requirements of this subpart (including making efforts to obtain credits and/or allotments).

(b) Applications must be submitted to EPA by September 1, 2000. Relief may be granted from some or all of the requirements of this subpart, at EPA's discretion; however, EPA reserves the right to deny applications for appropriate reasons, including unacceptable environmental impact. Approval to distribute gasoline which does not meet the requirements of this subpart may be granted for such time period as EPA determines is appropriate, but shall not extend beyond January 1, 2008.

(c)

(1) Applications must include a plan demonstrating how the refiner will comply with the requirements of this subpart as expeditiously as possible. The plan shall include a showing that contracts are or will be in place for engineering and construction of desulfurization equipment, a plan for applying for and obtaining any permits necessary for construction, a description of plans to obtain necessary capital, and a detailed estimate of when the requirements of this subpart will be met.

(2) Applications must include a detailed description of the refinery configuration and operations, including, at a minimum, the following information:

(i) The portion of gasoline production that is produced using an FCC unit;

(ii) The refinery's hydrotreating capacity;

(iii) The refinery's total reformer unit throughput capacity;

(iv) The refinery's total crude capacity;

(v) Total crude capacity of any other refineries owned by the same entity;

(vi) Total volume of gasoline production at the refinery;

(vii) Total volume of other refinery products; and

(viii) Geographic location(s) in which gasoline will be sold.

(3) Applications must include, at a minimum, the following information:

(i) Detailed description of efforts to obtain capital for refinery investments;

(ii) Bond rating of entity that owns the refinery; and

(iii) Estimated capital investment needed to comply with the requirements of this subpart by the applicable date.

(4) Applicants must also provide any other relevant information requested by EPA.

(d) EPA may impose any reasonable conditions on waivers granted under this section.