EPA Eases Fuel Restrictions to Combat Rising Gas Prices

The temporary waiver allows for increased use of E15 and summer E10 blends, but experts say it may only provide short-term relief.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:25am

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a temporary fuel waiver that will allow for the sale of E15 gasoline and remove restrictions on summer E10 blends from May 1 to May 20, in an effort to help alleviate the pressure of surging gas prices. While the move is expected to provide some relief, experts caution that the impact may be limited and temporary.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices have been a significant burden on consumers, and the federal government is taking this step to try and provide some short-term relief. However, the underlying factors driving the price increases, such as global conflicts and seasonal blend changes, may still outweigh the impact of the fuel waiver.

The details

The EPA's temporary fuel waiver will allow for the sale of E15 gasoline, which is typically only available at around 3,000 gas stations nationwide, including a few dozen in the Phoenix area. The waiver also removes restrictions on summer E10 blends, which are more expensive due to environmental regulations. While the waiver could help reduce gas prices by 5 to 20 cents per gallon, experts warn that it may not be enough to offset the more than $1 per gallon increase seen in Arizona due to global conflicts.

  • The EPA's waiver will be in effect from May 1 through May 20, 2026.
  • The department said the waiver could be extended if needed.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations, including those related to fuel composition and emissions.

Governor Katie Hobbs

The governor of Arizona, who expressed gratitude for the federal government's decision to waive fuel restrictions.

Doug Johnson

A representative from AAA, who provided insights on the typical price differences between winter and summer fuel blends.

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What they’re saying

“Gas goes up in the summer because the summer blend is more expensive and I am grateful that the federal government is waiving that.”

— Governor Katie Hobbs

“The winter blend, summer blend difference is anywhere from 5 to 15 cents, sometimes 20 cents. With the conflict in Iran, you have seen the gas prices jump more than $1 there in Arizona on average. So, this is not going to offset it all that much, but it could certainly help, at least for a short time. Of course, eventually it is going to go into the summer blend.”

— Doug Johnson, with AAA

What’s next

The EPA has indicated that the fuel waiver could be extended beyond the initial May 1 to May 20 timeframe if needed to continue providing relief to consumers.

The takeaway

While the EPA's temporary fuel waiver is a step in the right direction to help alleviate the burden of rising gas prices, experts caution that its impact may be limited and short-lived. The underlying factors driving the price increases, such as global conflicts and seasonal blend changes, are likely to continue putting upward pressure on gas prices in the long run.