Arizona Lawmakers Push for Fuel Waiver to Cut Gas Prices Amid Ongoing Iran War

Proposed waiver could save drivers 40-50 cents per gallon, but some say the real problem is the war in Iran

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Arizona lawmakers, including Senator Ruben Gallego, are pushing for an EPA fuel blend waiver to bypass the state's expensive summer gasoline blend. They believe this could save drivers 40-50 cents per gallon within a week of being approved. However, some lawmakers argue the real issue driving high gas prices is the ongoing war in Iran and its impact on global oil supply.

Why it matters

Arizona's summer fuel blend is typically more expensive, and with California refineries shutting down and Iranian oil supply being cut off due to the war, gas prices in the state have spiked. The proposed waiver is an attempt to provide immediate relief to drivers, but some lawmakers believe the fundamental problem lies with the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The details

Arizona politicians want a waiver to stop using the summer fuel blend and hopefully bring down prices at the pump. Senator Ruben Gallego estimates the waiver could save drivers 40-50 cents per gallon. State Senator Mitzi Epstein argues the real issue is the war in Iran, saying "The war in Iran is the problem with gas prices and we can play around with our blends until we're blue in the face. But it's still the war in Iran is causing gas prices to be high."

  • The Trump administration and EPA previously passed a national waiver allowing ethanol-blended gas to be sold in summer and relaxing air quality standards, which should provide some relief to Arizona drivers starting in May, but only for 20 days.

The players

Senator Ruben Gallego

An Arizona senator who is proposing the EPA fuel blend waiver, which he believes could save drivers 40-50 cents per gallon.

State Senator Mitzi Epstein

An Arizona state senator who argues the real problem driving high gas prices is the ongoing war in Iran, not the state's summer fuel blend.

Representative Julie Willoughby

An Arizona state representative who previously proposed a bill to suspend the state's gas tax, which would have provided an 18 cent per gallon savings, but has since dropped the bill.

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What they’re saying

“What is the point? The real problem with gas prices is the war in Iran. I mean let's face the elephant in the room. The war in Iran is the problem with gas prices and we can play around with our blends until we're blue in the face. But it's still the war in Iran is causing gas prices to be high. So if we don't want to do anything about that—then gas prices are going to continue to be high.”

— State Sen. Mitzi Epstein, LD12-D

“There's no reason why Arizona should be paying more for this very, very expensive blend. And I think that's a legitimate request that we can get the EPA to waive that and start saving money right away.”

— Senator Ruben Gallego

“During these conversations, I was in contact with the EPA under the Trump administration and learned they were very much in favor of a waiver. A waiver would have gotten us more permanently out of the high gas prices.”

— Rep. Julie Willoughby

What’s next

The Trump administration and EPA previously passed a national waiver allowing ethanol-blended gas to be sold in summer and relaxing air quality standards, which should provide some relief to Arizona drivers starting in May, but only for 20 days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex factors driving high gas prices in Arizona, with lawmakers debating whether a fuel blend waiver or addressing the underlying geopolitical tensions in Iran would be more effective in providing lasting relief for drivers. The proposed waiver could offer short-term savings, but some argue the real solution requires tackling the broader economic impacts of the ongoing war.