As a result of the effects on the supply and distribution of fuel caused by tropical storms and hurricanes during August and September, extreme and unusual circumstances exist that will prevent the distribution of an adequate fuel supply to consumers in specified Florida counties. On September 11, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a fuel volatility waiver to nine southeastern states including Florida. Further, several other southeastern states have issued similar fuel volatility waivers extending through October 31, 2008. Pursuant to these actions by the EPA and other southeastern states, and following the adoption of this emergency rule, waiving certain volatility standards in specified Florida counties will allow for adequate and rapid distribution of available fuel, helping to stabilize the fuel market in the specified counties, thus protecting the welfare of Florida consumers in these counties. Specifically, the affected counties in Florida are Madison, Dixie, Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette and Taylor.