Davids Acts to Lower Gas Prices in Kansas as Summer Travel Approaches

Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids once again urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lower gas prices by issuing an emergency waiver allowing the sale of E15 during the 2026 summer driving season in Kansas. E15, which is made from domestically grown crops, is typically less expensive than unblended gasoline. The waiver, granted over the past four years, would help lower fuel costs for Kansans, support local farmers, reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and build U.S. energy security.

“This issue is more urgent now than ever. Given the United States’ war with Iran, gas prices are surging,” wrote Davids. “In Kansas, the average price of gas has increased $0.77 in one month and barrel prices have hovered around $100 since late February. Additionally, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has skyrocketed fertilizer prices, burdening our producers even further amidst the worst farm economy in decades. Ensuring the summertime sale of E15 in Kansas will lessen this extreme burden on farmers and lower costs for hardworking families.”

Rising fuel costs underscore the urgency of expanding access to lower-cost alternatives like E15. Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, global oil prices have surged sharply, exceeding $100 per barrel as shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten the world’s oil supply. U.S. gasoline prices have followed, jumping from under $3 per gallon before the conflict to nearly $4 in recent weeks, with analysts warning prices could climb even higher if instability continues.

Davids’ push comes amid ongoing debate in Congress over expanding access to E15 nationwide. Earlier this year, House leadership failed to pass a Davids-supported bipartisan effort to allow year-round sales of E15 to lower gas prices and support farmers. In its place, they created a federal task force to study the issue, which many farm groups and biofuel advocates found inadequate. Davids agreed and continues to push for year-round sales, as proposed through her Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.

Previously, Davids has taken multiple actions to lower gas prices for Kansans by:

• Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allows retailers the ability to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels year-round.
• Visiting East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, as part of her Farm Bill listening tour.
  • EKAE has around 40 full-time employees and relies heavily on Kansas corn producers to supply the crops needed to make the biofuel.
• Helping to pass legislation that promotes sustainable aviation fuel, a liquid fuel that achieves significant emissions reductions compared to fossil-based jet fuel.
• Supporting legislation that expands biofuels infrastructure, opening up new market opportunities for sustainable fuel sources and lowering energy costs for Kansas families.
• Pushing the President to suspend the federal gas tax, providing immediate relief to Kansans at the gas pump.

A full copy of Davids’ letter can be found here.