Senate Republicans Advance Fuel Relief Plan to Lower Gas Prices for Arizona Drivers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA—Arizona Republicans are moving forward with a plan to stabilize fuel supply and reduce costs at the pump after a key amendment to HB 2955 was adopted today in the Senate Appropriations, Transportation & Technology Committee.
With HB 2400 no longer advancing due to a lack of full stakeholder agreement, lawmakers shifted to HB 2955, where Committee Chairman David Farnsworth sponsored and committee members approved a strike-everything amendment to address fuel supply challenges and rising gas prices.
The adopted amendment requires state agencies to act quickly during fuel supply disruptions by formally requesting an emergency fuel formulation waiver from the federal government. This allows Arizona to access a broader range of fuel blends when shortages hit, increasing supply and easing upward pressure on gas prices. Under the amendment, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Weights and Measures Services Division will work together each year between March and October to monitor fuel supply conditions and pursue a waiver when national forecasts show disruptions. The waiver applies statewide and equally to all fuel suppliers, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
Arizona relies heavily on out-of-state refineries. With multiple facilities shutting down, particularly in California, supply constraints are tightening. At the same time, Maricopa County's required switch to a more expensive summer fuel blend further limits availability and drives up costs.
In 2023, Governor Katie Hobbs was warned that refinery shutdowns would significantly reduce Arizona's fuel supply, yet she refused to request an emergency fuel waiver from the federal government. Gas prices jumped by about $1 per gallon in a matter of weeks, costing Arizona families more at the pump. This legislation ensures Arizona is never left waiting on that kind of inaction again. By expanding access to available fuel during critical periods, HB 2955 is designed to prevent sudden price spikes and help families save money when filling up their tanks.
"Arizona drivers are paying the price for supply problems they didn't create," said Chairman Farnsworth. "This bill is a practical step to make sure our state is better prepared when disruptions happen. We know supply is tightening, and that is something we have to deal with in a responsible way. By giving Arizona the ability to access more available fuel during those periods, we can help stabilize prices and reduce the burden on families. This is about keeping fuel accessible and affordable, and making sure people can get to work, take their children to school, and go about their daily lives without sudden spikes at the pump."
The legislation builds on previous efforts to address fuel supply challenges and ensure the state is better prepared for disruptions. HB 2955 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration, where additional amendments may be offered by members of the full body.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov