(The Center Square)– Arizona Republicans announced plans for legislation that would aim to lower gas prices in Maricopa County.
The legislation that Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, and Rep. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson, will be introducing in the next legislative session would allow 8 different fuel blends to be sold in the county.
“Every single Arizonan, including my own family, felt the financial burden of skyrocketing prices at the pump,” Wadsack said at a news conference Wednesday morning.
Gas stations in the county currently sell the Cleaner Burning Gasoline blend to comply with federal air quality regulations, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture website.
The lawmakers told reporters that the legislation would essentially allow the market to decide and compete to get lower gasoline prices in the county.
In addition, the legislation would grant both the Senate President and House Speaker the power to apply for a waiver through the Environmental Protection Agency when refineries are asking for a loosening of regulations, as well as informing them about potential gas shortages.
“And obviously, even with a process built into this bill to request an EPA waiver, the EPA will still have to approve this blend to make sure that it meets our air quality standards here in the valley, but we’re very confident that they will,” Kolodin said.
Arizona’s Family reported in June that the Hobbs administration was going to apply for a waiver when the Western State Petroleum Association asked, but the EPA said it would be dead on arrival if it were to be filed.
Maricopa County gas prices average at $3.28 as of Dec. 13, according to AAA, which is slightly higher than the $3.12 national average. However, Arizonans were sometimes paying upwards of $5 a gallon this summer, and prices can vary widely based on the gas station and area a driver is located in.
The bill would still allow the governor to request EPA waivers, except Gov. Katie Hobbs would need to sign off on the bill granting other state leaders that power and the leaders of both legislative chambers are Republicans.
Lawmakers continue to share their priorities headed into the next session ranging from the economy to higher education. Republicans, who hold a narrow legislative majority, will be holding a news conference on Thursday to do a general overview of what they’re seeking to accomplish.
