US ends summer blend gasoline requirements early in an attempt to lower prices

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Thursday that the Trump administration will eliminate summer-blend gas?requirements two weeks earlier than normal this year in order to increase the nation's fuel supplies and reduce gas prices. The EPA announced that it will allow 10% ethanol gasoline, or E10 with a higher RVP (Reid Vapor Pressure), to be sold beginning September 1. This is two weeks earlier than usual. U.S. usually?changes to summer gasoline blends through September 15 to reduce air pollutants. The RVP value of these blends is lower, which limits evaporation, which can cause smog during warmer weather. The U.S. war between Israel and the United States has caused gasoline prices to rise in the U.S. According to AAA motor club, the average pump price for regular gasoline was $4.10 on 'Thursday,' up from $3.13 per gallon one year earlier. The high price of gasoline is a weakness for President Donald Trump, and other Republicans who are trying to maintain control of both chambers in November's midterm elections. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration will take measures to control fuel prices in the upcoming days after meeting with oil refiners this week in Midland, Texas. The EPA also said that the action waives state-level control in Texas, Arizona and California for a maximum of 20 days after September 15. The EPA stated that it would continue to monitor gasoline supplies 'in these states, as we have done throughout the summer. We will also be prepared to extend this waiver through a subsequent measure as long as needed to ensure sufficient supplies of gasoline for consumers.

(source: Reuters)