WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) reintroduced legislation last week that he said would simplify the nation's increasingly complex gasoline supply and lead to lower prices at the pump for consumers.
The simpler and more uniform our gasoline supply is, the easier it is to get to market and the cheaper it is for consumers, said Blunt, who has introduced similar legislation the past two congresses. This legislation would reduce the number of boutique' fuels currently in the system, benefiting consumers by preventing these specialty blends [image-nocss] from driving up the price.
The current gasoline supply stock used by U.S. motorists includes boutique or specially formulated fuels, which are required by law in certain communities. When supplies are limited, prices tend to rise quickly, substantially, and sometimes with very little prior notice, Blunt said.
Legislation offered by Blunt last Congress, parts of which were included in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, began the process of capping the number of specialty fuel blends, while allowing communities faced with unforeseen shortages a waiver to use conventional gasoline. The current bill introduced by Blunt builds on that progress by mandating sharper reductions in the number of specialty fuels and allowing communities more regulatory flexibility in times of temporary shortage or displacement.
Getting gas prices back under control will require building new refineries, increasing our domestic supply, and simplifying the types of fuel available for purchase, added Blunt. This bill will put us on a path toward accomplishing one of those goals, and as the summer driving season gets into full swing, I will call on my colleagues to help us accomplish the rest.
The legislation, H.R. 2493, attracted the support of 18 original co-sponsors upon its introduction. It will now be sent to the House Energy & Commerce Committee for further consideration.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.