The Environmental Protection Agency is temporarily cutting regulations on ethanol-blended fuel to address soaring gas prices. These costs have spiked in recent weeks due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
President Donald Trump’s EPA announced Wednesday that it is waiving federal restrictions to allow the nationwide sale of E15 gas. The sale of this 15% ethanol blend is typically barred during the summer months to reduce air pollution. The agency is also removing all federal impediments on the sale of E10 gas from May 1 through May 20, with a possible extension.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the agency is prioritizing relief for American drivers. “EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer,” Zeldin said. He added, “This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice.”
Zeldin also praised the current administration's focus on domestic energy production. “President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply,” Zeldin noted. He emphasized that the administration has made great strides on this during the first year and will continue to do so.
Gas prices have climbed to a national average of nearly $4 per gallon this week. This marks the highest nationwide average since 2022, according to AAA. Diesel prices have also jumped around 40% to an average of $5.37 per gallon.
This drastic rise is directly tied to the Iranian regime’s attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The passage shutdown is significant because around 25% of the world’s oil must pass through the strait. While the United States does not import much of its oil from the Middle East, the disruption has rattled global markets.
Brent crude spiked to nearly $120 per barrel recently before settling at $98 per barrel on Wednesday afternoon. President Trump has acknowledged the financial strain Americans are feeling at the pump. However, he stated that the military operation is “far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.”
Trump added that gas prices would drop “very rapidly” once the major military operation concludes. The White House has maintained that this economic pressure will not last. “The recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on March 10.
Leavitt added, “And this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long-term.” The administration's efforts may soon receive international backing. Several allied nations, including the United Kingdom, France, and Japan, suggested earlier this week that they are prepared to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.