Majority Whip Willoughby said on March 24 that she supports the Trump Administration’s decision to issue a nationwide emergency fuel waiver, which is expected to bring relief to Arizona drivers facing high gas prices and supply concerns. The federal government announced the waiver in response to risks affecting fuel supply, especially in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
The move comes as families in these counties have been paying higher prices due to Arizona’s reliance on a special type of gasoline produced by only a few refineries. Willoughby said, “Arizona families needed action, and I am glad to see the federal government responding to the fuel-supply risks we have been raising for months.” She added, “I applaud the Trump Administration for stepping in to strengthen supply, expand fuel options, and help lower costs for drivers in Arizona and across the country.”
Willoughby has raised concerns about California refinery closures and their impact on Arizona’s gas supply since January. She reached out to both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy at that time seeking emergency relief options for summer 2026 as well as longer-term reforms related to Arizona’s boutique-fuel requirements.
This legislative session, Willoughby has led several initiatives aimed at reducing costs and improving gasoline supply. These include HB 2400, which would suspend the state’s gas tax during summer months; HB 2401, calling for regular reviews of less expensive but compliant fuels; HB 2696, focused on expanding infrastructure such as pipelines or local refining; and HB 2955, which seeks a shift away from boutique fuels toward more widely available standards.
Despite support for the EPA’s temporary action—set from May 1 through May 20 with possible extensions—Willoughby stressed that long-term solutions are still needed because “the federal waiver is temporary and Arizona’s underlying fuel-supply vulnerability remains.” She concluded: “This is an important step, but it is only temporary. I will keep fighting for long-term solutions that expand supply, lower costs, and protect Arizona drivers from future shortages and price spikes.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative in Arizona’s State House in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall according to Ballotpedia.
