One Louisville celebrates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent approval to remove the federal Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) mandate from Jefferson, Bullitt, and Oldham counties, effective May 27, 2026. This decision is a meaningful victory for Louisville’s businesses, workers, and families. The RFG requirement had forced Louisville drivers to pay up to 35 cents more per gallon than drivers in neighboring counties and much of the rest of the Commonwealth. Our advocacy team proudly submitted a letter of support to the EPA urging approval of this opt-out request, and we are gratified to see that advocacy reflected in this outcome. The RFG requirement originated in the 1990s to decrease air pollution, but advances in fuel technology, vehicle efficiency, and environmental regulations have since made the requirement unnecessary. years.
The economic benefits of this change cannot be overstated. This decision has the potential to save Louisville drivers $137 million per year. These dollars will stay in the pockets of our residents and flow back into our local economy. For the business community, lower fuel costs mean reduced logistics expenses, lower overhead, and a more competitive environment for attracting and retaining talent and investment. One Louisville thanks Governor Andy Beshear, whose February 2025 letter to the EPA initiated this process, as well as the many local and state leaders who championed this effort. We look forward to May 27 as a milestone that strengthens Louisville’s position as a thriving, competitive, and business-friendly region.