Mast Introduces Bill To Lower Summer Gas Prices

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Brian Mast(FL-21) introduced legislation to lower gas prices nationwide by waiving the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements for the entire 2026 summer season.

"When gas prices spike during the busy summer months, every family feels the effects-regulations passed decades ago, written for vehicles that we don't produce anymore, are causing more unnecessary strain," said Rep. Brian Mast. "My bill cuts through the unnecessary regulations and gives families relief where it's needed most."

In the United States, nearly every gas station offers gasoline blended with ten percent ethanol, or E10, year-round. Gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, or E15, is a cheaper alternative for 2001-and-newer vehicles, offered at roughly 3,500 gas stations across the country. Unfortunately, purchasing E15, the more affordable blend, during summer months is prohibited, and as a result, American families experience cost burdens at the pump.

A 1990 amendment to the Clean Air Act prohibits the sale of E15 gasoline above 9.0 RVP. In previous years, to provide relief, the EPA has been forced to issue rolling 20-day emergency waivers-the maximum length allowed-but this creates uncertainty for producers, retailers, and consumers. The bill directs the EPA Administrator to waive RVP restrictions under section 211(h) of the Clean Air Act from May 1, 2026, through September 15, 2026.

By expanding fuel supply and removing seasonal restrictions, the bill is expected to ease costs for families heading into peak travel months, support American fuel producers, and reduce dependence on repeated emergency waivers.