Gallego Calls on EPA to Work with Arizona to Prevent Higher Gas Prices
WASHINGTON – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to work together with Arizona leaders to proactively grant waivers and address supply challenges that could lead to higher gas prices.
“As we look ahead to this year’s summer [Cleaner Burning Gas] CBG season, I ask that we work together – the EPA, Congress, local leaders, and the Governor’s office – on a proactive approach that can prevent gas prices from reaching the heights we saw last year, even in cases of emergency,” Rep. Gallego writes.
Last summer, gas supplies in Arizona were severely limited, causing average gas prices in the state to rise to $4.65 per gallon, compared to a $3.86 nationwide average. In response, the EPA granted a waiver of summer CBG requirements for a period of 20 days in September to address these supply shocks.
In this letter, Rep. Gallego suggests forward-looking approaches the EPA and Arizona can take to avoid similar shortages and price hikes this year, including requesting waivers sooner and proactively monitoring for potential supply shock events. He also requests that the EPA confirm that CBG waivers do not impact air quality measurements used for compliance with other regulations.
“There are ways to protect our air quality and health while preventing sky-high gas prices – I am confident that we can do both,” Rep. Gallego concludes.
This letter builds on Rep. Gallego’s work to lower gas prices for hardworking Arizonans.
In October, 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. And in April, he urged President Biden and his administration to do everything in his authority to address the rising gas prices affecting Arizona families, businesses, and communities.