Arizona’s Republican lawmakers want to lower gas prices by asking the Environmental Protection Agency to allow the gas stations to sell a wider variety of fuel blends.
Republicans blame skyrocketing gas prices in part on the EPA’s clean air requirements, which require gas stations in Maricopa County to sell one specific fuel blend in the summer and a different blend in winter.
Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) wants the Legislature to pass a bill allowing Arizona to use comparable fuel blends he says still meet EPA standards.
“We’re asking the EPA to approve as part of our stated implementation plan eight blends instead of two blends. That's part one, so that allows the competition more options,” he said.
Lawmakers also proposed giving House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria) and Petersen the power to request temporary waivers from the EPA amid gas shortages.
Currently, that power rests with Gov. Katie Hobbs. Over the course of her time in office Hobbs did request two waivers, and both were approved by the EPA.
A spokesperson for Hobbs said she’ll work with anyone to lower costs, but called the GOP plan “half-baked.”
Arizona doesn’t have its own refineries, so gas comes from suppliers in other states like California. When refineries face shortages, prices spike.
“It’s not the retailers that are going to be opposed. It’s not the producers that are going to be opposed. The issue is going to be the refiners,” Petersen said.
It’s not yet clear where the new blends would come from if the EPA allows Arizona to expand its use of blends. And even if Republican lawmakers change the law, the use of new fuel blends would still be subject to an EPA review process.
Democratic leaders in the House and Senate did not respond to a request for comment.
