FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Senate Republicans Pass Legislation to Lower
Gas Prices for Arizona Drivers
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Despite a moderation in Arizona gas prices from painful $5 a gallon levels over the past two years, drivers are still paying about a $1 more a gallon today than they were in 2020. In an effort to ease the financial burden hitting hardworking Arizonans each time they fill their tanks, and to prevent future extreme price hikes at the pump, Senate Republicans today passed SB 1064.
Currently, Arizona is required to provide drivers in Maricopa County a specific fuel blend for cooler season months and a different fuel blend specific for warmer season months. During spring and summer, statute specifies Arizonans must fuel their cars with a boutique blend called Cleaner Burning Gas (CBG). Arizona is the only state in the nation using this blend to meet clean air requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This blend is produced out of state, and there can routinely be disruptions in getting this fuel supply into Arizona. These periods of limited supply force prices to skyrocket.
Instead of retailers only having access to just two blends, SB 1064 establishes a free market solution by allowing as many fuel blends as possible. At this time, we've identified eight comparable blends.
Additionally, when gasoline shortages happen, the state has the authority to request a waiver from the EPA, in order to use a different, available blend. Past Governors have successfully received a waiver. Unfortunately, back in March of this year, refineries warned Governor Katie Hobbs that weeks-long shutdowns would cut off more than 50% of the supply of fuel to the Phoenix area, but the Governor decided not to apply for the waiver. As a result, gas prices spiked $1 in just weeks. To avoid a similar situation in the future, SB 1064 would allow both the President of the Arizona Senate and the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives to request a waiver.
"From gasoline to groceries, electricity, housing, and every other basic necessity, Arizonans are paying thousands of dollars more per year to maintain the same quality of life they had just before Joe Biden took office. While we can't prevent his implementation of the reckless policies that are hurting hardworking families, senior citizens, and young adults, we can help Arizonans keep more of their hard-earned dollars through commonsense solutions like SB 1064," said bill sponsor Senator Justine Wadsack. "I'm hopeful this legislation will be signed into law because it is the right move to make to improve the lives of our citizens."
The bill now heads to the House for consideration.
###
For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus