Automotive
EPA waives volatility rules to permit early winter-blend gasoline sales
The Trump administration issued fuel waivers two weeks early to address high pump prices ahead of midterms.
The short version
- The EPA waived federal volatility standards starting September 1, allowing winter-blend fuel to be sold two weeks before the standard September 16 transition date.
- The federal government partnered with Texas, Arizona, and California to suspend local fuel regulations through September 15.
- Winter-blend gasoline is cheaper to produce due to butane additives, but it provides lower fuel efficiency and increases air pollution risks during hot weather.
- The policy aims to lower retail gas prices, which averaged over $4.00 per gallon nationally throughout August.
Key facts
- The EPA extended higher ethanol blending limits for summer fuel through August before waiving all federal volatility standards starting September 1.[Jalopnik]
- The federal waiver permits gas stations to sell winter-blend fuel prior to the standard September 16 changeover date.[Jalopnik]
- The administration reached agreements with California, Arizona, and Texas to temporarily bypass state-level fuel controls through September 15.[Jalopnik]
- National regular gasoline prices averaged above $4.00 per gallon daily throughout August, compared to $3.21 per gallon at the same time in the previous year.[Jalopnik]
- Winter-blend fuel uses inexpensive butane additives, reducing production costs, but it evaporates more readily in warm weather and offers less energy efficiency.[Jalopnik]