Georgia adopts federal fuel waiver aimed at increasing supply and easing gas prices

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia has adopted a temporary federal fuel waiver intended to increase gasoline supplies and ease pressure on prices amid disruptions affecting refining capacity and energy distribution nationwide.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has adopted the nationwide waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Aug. 20.

“As high fuel prices persist, we’re taking action to give Georgians a break at the gas pump,” Harper said. “By adopting this federal waiver, we’re able to increase the available supply of fuel, while maintaining strict quality standards and certifying pumps across the state to ensure Georgians get what they pay for.”

Through Sept. 15, the department’s Fuel & Measures Division will temporarily align Georgia’s enforcement policies with the federal waiver. The change allows flexibility on certain ethanol-blending and fuel-volatility requirements, giving suppliers more options to bring gasoline into the state and helping prevent supply bottlenecks.

Officials said the temporary change is intended to increase fuel availability and reduce pressure on gasoline prices. The waiver does not guarantee an immediate reduction at every gas station because retail prices are also affected by crude-oil costs, transportation expenses and local demand.

All other state and federal fuel-quality and safety requirements will remain in effect. The Georgia Department of Agriculture will also continue inspecting fuel and certifying pumps to ensure customers receive the amount of gasoline for which they pay.

Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia