GOP lawmakers are trying to lower Arizona gas prices. Democrats say their plan won't work

Arizona Republicans advanced a bill they say will lower gas prices in the state, but Democrats argue it won’t help.

House Bill 2300 would increase the amount of fuel blends gas stations can use. It would specifically apply to Maricopa and Pinal counties.

GOP lawmakers say high gas prices are due in large part to clean air requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Those limit the current fuel blends available.

Having more options should make the prices go down, according to proponents like the bill’s sponsor, Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge).

“In the effort to do some good or at least the possibility of some good, we present this as an idea, which is sadly a little better than what we’ve heard from our colleagues elsewhere and on the ninth floor,” he said, referring to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office.

Shope added that the idea is something gas stations support, even though it’s opposed by the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association.

Shope said Hobbs claimed last year that she couldn’t support the bill because there wasn’t enough time to study its effects, but now - more than a year later - the state Department of Environmental Quality still doesn’t think they have enough information.

“We said, ‘Hey, look. Bring us back something. Let's work on this, so we can get this done.’ It didn't happen,” Shope said. He added that ADEQ responded to him this week, saying again that they didn’t have enough time.

Opponents of the bill argue that it wouldn’t do what it’s supposed to and could open loopholes for gas suppliers, damage Arizona’s air quality or even amount to nothing if the state can’t get its hands on other fuel blends.

Republicans tried to pass this bill last year, but it died.

Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson) said the bill oversimplifies the situation.

“This actually has nothing to do with reducing fuel prices. This will be ineffective even as we’re hearing even from the industry itself that simply legislating new fuel formulations does not make it so and does not magically make it appear within the state,” she told her colleagues.

Shope said that under the Trump administration, lawmakers have more reason to believe p[they will grant the waiver needed to expand Arizona’s fuel blends.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced this week that the EPA is rescinding guidance that effectively placed higher burdens on Arizona regarding air quality.

This is to address frustration from Arizonans that a large portion of ozone in the state enters from out of state and is not Arizona’s fault. But it lowers air quality, which limits fuel blends because they’re set according to clean-air requirements.

“I'm thrilled the U.S. EPA answered our calls for help, and Republicans at the Arizona Legislature are banding together to see HB 2300 cross the finish line," Shope said in a statement. "Our fuel is consistently more expensive than the national average, especially during a supply shortage in the warmer season months. This week's action from Administrator Zeldin ensures Arizona will no longer have to jump through hoops to offer relief to our citizens.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct which counties House Bill 2300 would apply to.