Vos, Republicans call on EPA to lift reformulated gas rule as prices at pump set records

EPA says it will review request

June 7, 2022 4:59 PM

Logan Reigstad,

Posted: June 7, 2022 4:59 PM

Updated: June 8, 2022 2:09 PM

by Logan Reigstad

MADISON, Wis. — Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and dozens of Wisconsin Republican lawmakers are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to lift the rule that requires the southeastern part of the state to use reformulated gasoline as the state sees record prices at the pump.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan Tuesday, Vos and 41 other Republican lawmakers argued the agency should lift the fuel blending requirement due to rising gas prices, saying the move would provide “much-needed relief.”

Reformulated gas is required in the Milwaukee area — including Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties — to help improve air quality.

“As you are aware, gas prices in our country are at an all-time high,” the lawmakers wrote. “Many citizens are feeling the pinch at the pump and are looking for any form of relief. Currently, gas prices in Wisconsin’s (reformulated gas) area are on average 40 cents higher per gallon than prices in areas of Wisconsin not required to have blended fuels. Lifting the fuel blending requirement will give citizens in those counties significant savings over time.”

Today I asked my colleagues to sign on to a letter sent to the @EPA to lift the fuel blending requirements affecting Southeastern WI. Gas in the RFG area is 40 cents higher per gallon than areas of the state that aren't required to have blended fuels. https://t.co/bVMqhWymok

— Speaker Robin Vos (@SpeakerVos) June 7, 2022

As of Tuesday, the average price of a gallon of regular gas in Wisconsin is a record-setting $4.89, up more than 80 cents from one month ago, according to AAA.

While the average price per gallon of regular gas in the Madison area is $4.81, the average price in the Milwaukee area is $5.17.

In a statement to News 3 Now Wednesday morning, the EPA said it will review the request:

President Biden and this Administration are committed to protecting American consumers from the impacts of Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine and its profound impact on global and domestic energy markets. EPA confirms receipt of the letter in question. We will review the information and respond accordingly but have no further information to share at this time.