Gas price increase looms due to new regs

New fuel regulations could drive up gas prices if they require car owners to use a “potentially damaging” type of gasoline that could hurt cars’ engines, according to AAA.

{mossecondads}The automobile club said in a statement on Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency could cause gas prices to surge if it requires fuel refiners to blend a high percentage of ethanol in with conventional gas as part of the 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS).

“There is a real opportunity to put motorists first in what has been a very contentious disagreement between various industries,” said AAA President Bob Darbelnet. “Gas and car maintenance costs are high enough as it is, and it would be a relief to know that the RFS will not cause significant problems for consumers next year.”

The fuel mandate, which is expected from the EPA in coming weeks, requires refiners to mix certain amounts of ethanol and other biofuels in with gasoline each year as a way to spur innovation in new fuel sources and reduce American dependence on foreign oil.

Read more on the Hill.