Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) recently introduced the Gas Accessibility and Stabilization Act of 2013 to reduce the severity of gas price spikes and allow local markets more flexibility to use boutique fuels during a supply disruption.
The legislation would also commission a study to ascertain the best way to simplify the nation’s complex gasoline system. The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It has companion legislation in the Senate introduced recently by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
“We continue to operate in an environment in which the fuel required in one market may not satisfy the requirement set by the EPA in another market,” Terry said. “EPA fuel standards are different across the country, especially now in the summertime. If our fuel supplies are disrupted from a natural disaster or simple equipment failure consumers, can and usually do face higher prices at the pump.”
In the event of a supply disruption, the bill would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to grant waivers to an area to use whatever fuel they have on hand. Current law grants the EPA authority to grant waivers only during natural disasters or other so-called larger emergencies.
The GAS Act would not only expand the EPA’s waiver authority, it would demand the agency respond to waiver requests in a timely manner. If the EPA fails to respond to a waiver request within three days, the waiver would automatically be granted.
“Not every supply disruption is covered under the current law,” Terry said. “The GAS Act protects against sudden price spikes, moms driving in the car pool and job creating small business owners across the country struggling to make their margins.”