The Environmental Protection Agency issued fuel waivers across the nation on Wednesday that could temporarily ease spiking gas prices in Arizona.
The fuel waivers allow states to use a fuel blend that is typically restricted during the summer, because of concerns it exacerbates smog. The EPA waivers will go into effect on May 1 and last for two weeks, but they could be extended.
As for how much they will affect gas prices, it’s not clear. But, the waivers are expected to bring them down slightly.
Iran is restricting the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz — where much of the world’s oil supplies must pass — amid a war with the U.S. and Israel. That disruption is affecting gas prices globally.
Arizona officials take credit
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs requested a fuel waiver on March 18. Her administration also requested, and was granted, waivers in 2023 and 2024.
She noted on social media that she reached out to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin ahead of the agency’s decision.
“Thank you to @epaleezeldin for issuing a nationwide fuel waiver following my request for Arizona to receive relief,” Hobbs wrote.
Members on both sides of the aisle said they, too, requested action to help Arizona, and even took some of the credit for the nation-wide waivers.
“I have been in direct talks with the Trump administration and asked the EPA to free Arizona from onerous and expensive boutique fuel blend requirements. The EPA just announced they have done so,” Sen. President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) posted.
“Ten days ago, I pushed the administration to take immediate action to address rising gas prices across our state and urged the EPA to temporarily waive the summer-blend fuel requirements to help bring prices down faster," Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego said in a statement. "They listened, and today the EPA and Department of Energy issued a temporary fuel waiver that will help lower gas prices and bring some relief to Arizona families.”
Iran or California
Hobbs cited the war in Iran as a cause of rising gas prices across the country in her waiver request.
But Arizona Republicans referred to California as the main cause of rising gas prices. Arizona gets about one-third of its gas from California refineries, and more than one facility there are in the process of shutting down.
Zeldin referred to both the refinery closures and Iranian actions in a letter to governors on Wednesday issuing the waivers.
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