Friday, March 11, 2011

Senator Roy Blunt Introduces “GAS Act”

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) introduced the “Gas Accessibility and Stabilization” (GAS) Act today, which will help lower gas prices for Americans by improving the reliability, flexibility, and affordability of so-called “boutique fuels.”

Current mandates require that special blends of gas are used in different states and cities, and special blends complicate the supply chain and often cause unexpected price hikes if a boutique blend is in short supply. For instance, often a consumer who buys a tank of gas in Kansas City, Mo. and refuels in St. Louis, Mo. is purchasing a different blend of fuel.

The GAS Act will help ensure that the nation has a more dependable fuel supply system by allowing for a reduction in the number of approved boutique fuels and permitting communities more response flexibility in times of temporary shortage.

“Gas prices are skyrocketing while families and job creators nationwide are paying the price,” said Blunt. “We have a responsibility to work together to ensure Americans have access to affordable and reliable American-made energy sources.”

“This bill is a good start in the right direction. By allowing for a reduction in the number of approved boutique fuels and providing communities with more response flexibility during times of temporary shortage, the GAS Act will help drive down costs for households and small business owners who are struggling to make ends meet,” Blunt continued.

The GAS Act, which currently has garnered widespread support, will also expand the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to waive fuel requirements for general problems with equipment necessary for transporting fuels and additives.

For over a decade, Blunt has worked to give the EPA authority to waive fuel requirements in the event of a disruption caused by a natural disaster, international event, or disruption of supply and to cap the amount of boutique fuels in existence at the time.

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