Trump Admin Unveils Emergency Fuel Waiver as Gas Prices Soar

As midterm elections approach and gasoline prices continue to rise, the Trump administration has announced a temporary emergency fuel waiver aimed at boosting U.S. gasoline supply and lowering prices at the pump. Starting September 1st, the Environmental Protection Agency will allow the sale of E10, gasoline blended with 10% ethanol, at a higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). This move is expected to increase domestic gasoline supply by hundreds of thousands of barrels per day and reduce gas prices for Americans.

The EPA says its action will effectively end the summer-blend gasoline requirement early. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 3 cents from last week to $4.10 on Thursday, with motor travel group AAA saying August is shaping up to be the highest on record at an average of $4.06.

The move comes amid turmoil in the Middle East, where war between the U.S. and Iran has pushed up oil prices due to uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The Renewable Fuels Association praised the EPA's action as a 'right move' but emphasized the need for federal legislation to make summer waivers unnecessary.