Lawmakers looking into skyrocketing gas prices in Arizona

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — An Arizona legislative committee may look into possible changes to a 1997 law that requires “Cleaner Burning Gasoline” (CBG) in Maricopa County. That fuel, designed to help control pollution levels, is only sold in Arizona and is produced out of state.

Senate Republicans and house reps say that with a limited number of producers, requiring that fuel blend is causing localized price spikes that will continue during supply shortages. The study will be added to an upcoming Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Study Committee on Air Quality and Energy.

“In the past, Arizona Governors would seek waivers from federal regulators to get more fuel into the state during a CBG shortage to help keep costs lower,” a news release from the Arizona Senate Republicans explained. However, this year, Gov. Katie Hobbs chose not to seek a waiver. Back in June, Arizona’s Family reported that the Western States Petroleum Association, which represents the oil companies, wrote a letter to Hobbs asking for a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to sell different gasoline blends in Arizona.

The hearing, according to Arizona Senate Republicans, will determine whether or not blend requirements should be changed for the Valley and, if so, whether those actions will lower gas prices. The Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Study Committee on Air Quality and Energy met at 3 p.m. on Monday. However, any new legislation or proposals have not been decided. According to AAA, the average gas price in the Phoenix metro area is $4.47, with the national average being $3.60.

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