Letter builds on his previous work to secure Arizona’s fuel supply
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) urged the Trump Administration to take swift action to address rising gas prices in Arizona. In just the last month, the cost of gas in Phoenix has shot up by nearly 60 cents a gallon. Arizona uses a special blend of gas known as Cleaner Burning Gas (CBG) to protect air quality and public health. Different formulations are used for summer and winter, with the summer blend often being more expensive.
“Unfortunately, at this point in the year, we have not even reached the phase-in of the summer blend and already gas is getting more expensive,” Senator Gallego explained in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. “When the seasonal switch in formulas happens on May 1st, if there are any persisting disruptions in service (like the recent refinery fire in Northern California), I ask that you expedite any requests for waivers that come in from Arizona’s state government- or consider executive action to get ahead of these concerns.”
Senator Gallego also requested the Administration work with Arizona leadership to address long-term supply issues that have consistently led to higher gas prices in the state.
“Since Arizona is the only state in the country that uses our specific blend of summer Cleaner Burning Gas, supply is limited, and supply shocks are felt acutely,” Senator Gallego wrote. “I request that you work with state leadership in Arizona to determine if there are other comparable blends on the market that could be used to achieve the same air quality attainment ends, while fortifying gasoline supplies and protecting prices.”
Read the full letter HERE.