Gallego Calls on Administration to Take Action on Arizona Gas Prices
Letter urges same help for Western gas prices that was recently given to the Northeast
WASHINGTON - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to take immediate action to provide the same relief in gas prices to Western states as was taken through Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve releases in late May. With the Rep. Gallego backed waiver on more expensive summer gasoline set to expire on the 15th, Arizona families may see rising costs without additional action.
"Arizona families and business owners should not have to pay almost a dollar more than people in other states to get to work and move through their communities," Rep. Gallego writes. "I therefore request that your administration take similar actions to address gas prices in the Western United States."
On May 21st, the Administration announced the sale of one million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve with the stated goal of lowering gas prices. However, after Rep. Gallego spoke with stakeholders in Arizona, it appears highly unlikely that the benefits of this action will extend beyond the northeastern region of the country. It would be cost-prohibitive and nearly impossible for Arizona entities to transport the gas to our state because of limited pipeline capacity and requirements in the Jones Act.
That is why Rep. Gallego is urging the Administration to take additional action with Arizona and the West in mind. "We cannot leave Arizonans to deal with steep gas prices alone while other regions see greater relief," he concludes. "I look forward to hearing from your administration on next steps and ways we can work together to keep gas affordable across the country this summer."
Background on Rep. Gallego's Work to Lower Arizona Gas Prices
In April, Rep. Gallego pushed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a fuel waiver for Maricopa County, as well as portions of Pinal and Yavapai Counties, in order to lower gas prices in Arizona. The EPA granted the request later that month.
Earlier in April, he wrote to the 11 oil refineries from which Arizona sources its unique blend of CBG, pushing the refineries to explain their supply chain issues and why prices keep going up.
In October last year, he held a call with representatives from Kinder Morgan, the operator of the Santa Fe Petroleum Pipeline system, which includes the two lines that provide gas to Maricopa County.