Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw

(Reuters) -According to three people involved in discussions, the White House may consider waiving U.S. gasoline environment rules aimed to reduce summertime smog to help combat rising prices.

Blenders and refiners must avoid low-cost ingredients like butane when making summer gasoline. But, the White House has been considering suspending that requirement in order to reduce fuel costs. They raise gasoline’s Reid Vap pressure or RVP which, in turn, contributes to more smog during the summer heat.

Sources said that no final decision was made.

Sources said that while the Biden administration already removed the E15 requirement from summer sales, it would consider a waiver for all gasoline grades.

The White House has not yet responded to our request for comment.

According to the American Automobile Association, the average national price for a gallon regular gasoline is $4.59. This represents a 50% increase in fuel prices over the past year.

Ten states, plus the District of Columbia, are paying over $5 per gallon. California’s state average has risen to $6 per gallon.