The Trump administration is taking action to address persistent gasoline prices as summer nears its end. On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a waiver allowing the sale of gasoline with higher evaporation potential starting September 1, two weeks earlier than the standard seasonal deadline.
In the summer months, these specific fuel regulations are typically enforced to prevent smog formation caused by evaporation in the heat. By suspending these rules early, officials aim to increase the nation’s gasoline supply by hundreds of thousands of barrels every day.
This shift follows a period where national average gas prices have remained elevated, sitting at approximately $4.10 per gallon as of Thursday. Market volatility linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz has impacted oil shipping, which in turn keeps costs high for drivers at the pump.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that this decision serves to support the fuel supply chain and provide immediate relief for consumers. As the transition to fall approaches, the administration expects this supply boost to help stabilize the market during the final stretch of the summer driving season.