EPA issues emergency waivers to address pain at the pump
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the Department of Energy, issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to ease high prices of gasoline as the war with Iran remains tenuously on-and-off.
by Summer Lane | August 21, 2026
The EPA announced on Friday that it issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver aimed at increasing gasoline supply in America and lowering fuel prices for Americans.
According to the agency, the waivers will be issued beginning September 1 and will allow the sale of E10 – gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol, at a higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP).
“President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have affordable gasoline and energy. Throughout this administration, EPA has taken decisive action like issuing RVP waivers to provide relief at the pump and fortify our gasoline supply chain,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in a statement.
He continued, “Today, we continue this work with our federal partners to increase supply and lower gas prices for all Americans. Across the administration, we will continue to execute President Trump’s agenda and provide Americans with a prosperous and affordable nation.”
The EPA’s waivers will remain in place until the “end of the summer control season” on September 15. The agency said it was prepared to extend the waivers if needed to ensure “adequate supplies” of gas for American consumers in states like Texas, Arizona, and California.
As of Friday, the national average price for a gallon of gas was $4.10, according to AAA, noting a 3-cent gain from last week. The agency noted that August was “shaping up to be the highest on record.”
“Even though gasoline demand is down, which is typical for this time of year, crude oil is pushing up the national average,” information from AAA stated. “Crude oil prices remain in the $80 per barrel range amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz.”
GasBuddy’s data on fuel prices earlier this week closely reflected AAA’s information, noting an average rise of 7.7 cents per gallon over the past week (their data was published August 17).
“…While the seasonal transition to cheaper winter-blend gasoline in the coming month could bring some relief, the two dominant challenges facing motorists—the closed Strait and the ongoing refinery strikes—show no signs of resolving anytime soon,” GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan said in a statement. “Until they do, the path for gas and diesel prices remains tilted to the upside.”
Photo: Adobe Stock
