Gov. Beshear’s RFG Removal Request Receives Approval, Should Lower Gas Prices in Louisville

Governor submitted letter in February 2025 noting Louisville has met air quality requirements

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that his request for the Louisville area to be removed from the federal Reformulated Gasoline Program (RFG) has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which should result in lower gas prices for residents. The change is set to take effect May 27, 2026.

"At a time when costs are too high for Americans, I am proud that we are able to deliver some relief for Kentuckians by having the RFG mandate removed for Louisville," said Gov. Beshear. "Reformulated gas was costing Kentuckians 10 to 25 cents more per gallon, which now can go toward groceries, rent and other things that matter to our families. I am grateful to the EPA for approving this request and for local leaders who helped raise their voice to support this much-needed change."

The Governor submitted this request to the EPA in February 2025 through a letter that shared that the Louisville area has seen emissions continuously decline since meeting the 1997 ozone standard 18 years ago. Kentucky opted into the program Jan. 1, 1995, as an air quality control measure, and then was redesignated in July 2007.

Jefferson County will be removed from the mandate, as will parts of Bullitt and Oldham counties.

Approval was received via a letter from EPA Administrator Lee M. Zeldin, which can be viewed here.

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