Sen. Ruben Gallego addresses rising gas prices in Arizona

PHOENIX (KYMA, NBC) - Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is holding a press conference Tuesday to address rising gas prices in Arizona.

According to AAA, as of Tuesday, the national average gas prices is more than $4 per gallon while gas prices in the state of Arizona is nearly $4.70 per gallon.

In addition to addressing rising gas prices in the state of Arizona, Sen. Gallego, according to a press release, will also address his work to provide relief for Arizona residents.

Earlier this month, Gallego said he wrote a letter to the Trump Administration, pressing them to take immediate steps to protect consumers in the state amid rising gas prices due to the ongoing war in Iran.

"Gas prices in Arizona and across the country have skyrocketed since the beginning of the war in Iran, and Arizonans deserve additional insight into the decision making and details around this announcement," Gallego wrote. "Although the SPR is designed to 'alleviate the market impacts of both domestic and international disruptions,' I am concerned that its effects will not be felt equally by all Americans, including Arizonans. No detail was provided in the SPR release announcement about where the fuel will be sent, or how allocations will be determined."

A week after Gallego sent the letter, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency would "issue a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15 and remove all federal impediments to selling E10," according to a press release.

"EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer. This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply. The Trump Administration has made great strides on this during the first year and will continue to do so."

To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.