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According to three sources involved in the talks, the White House is considering waiving U.S. gasoline environmental regulations in a bid to reduce summer fog as a way to combat rising pump prices.
Refiners and blenders are needed to avoid low-cost ingredients like butane in summer gasoline, but the White House is considering suspending that rule to help reduce fuel costs. The ingredients help increase the gas vapor pressure or RVP, which causes high levels of fog, especially during the hot months.
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Sources said that no final decision has been taken.
The Biden administration has already lifted the requirement for summer sales of the E15, but the waiver under consideration will apply to all grades of petrol, sources said.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to the American Automobile Association, the price of a gallon of regular gasoline rose 50% last year, topping $ 4.59 nationally.
Ten states and the District of Columbia are already paying more than 5 5 per gallon, compared to the statewide average of $ 6 per gallon in California. (Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly; Editing by Richard Chang and David Gregorio)