Desperate Trump Administration Moves To Make Cheaper Winter-Blend Gas Available Two Weeks Ahead Of Schedule

This August was the most expensive August for gas prices on record, which isn't boding well for Republicans as the calendar creeps closer to the U.S. midterm elections. With no end to the Iran war in sight, the powers that be in Washington are trying to do all they can to make things somewhat cheaper, like get us discounted beef from China, or as Reuters reports, allow gas stations to sell a winter gas blend at least two weeks ahead of schedule.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued its latest fuel waiver August 20, stating that the agency will extend the allowance of higher ethanol blending for summer fuel through the end of August. The summer fuel blend if you remember was slated to have a 15 percent ethanol blending limit instead of the standard 10 percent. Then beginning September 1, the EPA waived all Federal volatility standards, which will allow for the sale of winter fuel blends ahead of the usual September 16 changeover.

For those not familiar, the U.S. went ahead and established the summer and winter fuel blending seasons back in 1989 as a response to stricter EPA restrictions on retail gas. That, along with the Clean Air Act of 1990, forced states to lower volatility gasoline blends to be used in the summer months to reduce the amount of gas vapors into the environment. The states were free to set those limits as to what was appropriate for their regions, so smog-ridden areas like Los Angeles for example, would be more strict about volatility in blends. Essentially, the more volatile a blend was, the more likely it can evaporate in higher temperatures which would leave dangerous ozone polluting particulates in the air, causing smog which is terrible for human and the environment's health.

The EPA's latest waiver won't necessarily be applicable to all states, as some have specific state-level controls on the fuel they sell and when due to environmental protections which may run summer-blend fuels longer due to warmer climates. But the Trump administration and the EPA have already worked with Texas, Arizona and California to waive established controls on their fuels through September 15. Those states will be monitored and could see additional waivers issued to help provide what the agency says is more affordable fuel to consumers. 

With the cheaper, winter-blended fuel available at the pumps, hopes are gas prices will be a little easier to swallow for everyone. Winter-blend fuel is cheaper for a few reasons. According to AAA, part of it is due to lower production costs. Winter-blended fuels tend to contain more Butane, which is a cheaper additive than the additives required for the summer fuel supply. It's also less complicated to produce than the summer blend. The tradeoff here is yeah, Americans will get cheaper gas. But that Butane will be more likely to evaporate into the atmosphere for the last couple weeks of these already warmer months, causing terrible air quality which can be dangerous to breathe in long-term. That and winter-blend fuel is less efficient to run than summer-blend, so expect to lose a few miles from your trips.

The Hail Mary for Washington comes as AAA reports regular gallon of gas continues to hover just above the $4.00 mark across the country. This time last year, gas prices averaged $3.21 per gallon. And though prices are still not as high as in 2022, AAA says that the US is poised to set yet another gas record at the end of August, for the national average gas price having held steady above $4.00 per gallon daily for the entire month.