Arizona State Representative Julie Willoughby said on March 30 that there is potential for the state to adopt less expensive gasoline blends while maintaining air quality standards. The statement follows recent federal actions affecting fuel requirements in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
The issue is significant for drivers in these counties, who have faced higher gasoline prices due to mandates requiring a special blend of fuel. According to AZCentral, the average price of regular gasoline in Arizona reached $4.43 per gallon, which was $1.09 higher than the previous period. In Phoenix proper, the average price rose to $4.72 per gallon, standing $1.20 above the prior average. Special gasoline formulations remain mandated year-round in Maricopa County and adjacent areas known as Area A.
“The main reason drivers in Maricopa and Pinal counties pay more for gas in the summer is that these areas are forced to use a special boutique blend made only for Arizona. It costs more to produce, limits supply, and leaves our state more vulnerable to price spikes. There is a strong possibility Arizona can move to a lower-cost fuel option without sacrificing air quality. The modeling is favorable,” Willoughby said according to a press release issued by the Arizona House GOP Conference. The release responds to the Trump administration decision on air quality standards and references her prior work with local and federal officials including letters to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a request for modeling by the Maricopa Association of Governments on alternative fuel blends. It outlines legislative measures she introduced to support gas affordability for drivers in affected counties.
The EPA recently waived federal enforcement of all state boutique fuel requirements for gasoline, allowing production and distribution of gasoline with 9% to 15% ethanol content at a single common Reid Vapor Pressure standard of 10 psi across the nation. According to the EPA, this action works to fortify the domestic gasoline supply chain and provide Americans relief at the pumps ahead of the summer driving season. Summer blend fuel remains more expensive than winter blend because its production process takes longer and yields less gasoline per barrel of oil.
Willoughby has served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 13 since 2023 and holds the position of House Majority Whip, according to Ballotpedia. She was elected as a Republican in 2022, replacing previous state representative Liz Harris.
