Republicans in the Arizona Legislature say they're working to keep gas prices down.
The party, which holds majorities in the Senate and House, is considering legislation that would allow Maricopa County — the state's most populous county with more than 4.5 million people and its biggest city, Phoenix — to use gas blends with formulas being used in neighboring states.
The Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee was scheduled Tuesday afternoon to hear Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope's proposed amendment to House Bill 2300 to expand the list of approved blends, which Republicans say would prevent price hikes. (Republican Rep. Leo Biasiucci is the sponsor of HB 2300.)
Arizona law currently requires drivers in Maricopa County to use a blend called "Cleaner Burning Gas" during the spring and summer to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's clean air requirements for ozone attainment. According to an Arizona Senate Republican Caucus news release, the state is the only one using this blend, which is produced outside Arizona.
Gas Tuesday in Arizona cost an average of $3.34 a gallon, slightly above the national average of $3.14, according to AAA. Maricopa County, which has been seeing the state's highest price, saw an average of $3.54 a gallon.
