We can now add “boutique fuels” to the list of phantom culprits for high gasoline prices. A draft report by an Environmental Protection Agency task force concludes that the special blends of fuel that help clean the air are not bumping up prices.

As prices topped $3 a gallon this spring, politicians launched a round of finger-pointing. Some said it was oil companies colluding to gouge motorists. A Federal Trade Commission investigation came up empty. Again.

Some said it was environmental costs, such as the seasonal transition to boutique fuels causing distribution disruptions. President Bush ordered a study in April, and the EPA – working with the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture and representatives from all 50 states – concluded that such blends are not driving prices higher.

Some oil industry executives foreshadowed this finding in May hearings on Capitol Hill, saying that the effect of specialty blends on fuel supplies and prices was overblown.

Boutique fuels were also blamed when the price of gasoline topped $2 a gallon, with the administration threatening to waive requirements that New York and California sell special blends that pollute less.

It’s a good thing that never happened, because there is no debate on the effectiveness of cleaner-burning fuel in cleaning the air in urban areas.

From 1996 to 2005, Spokane required oxygenated fuel for the winter months, which, along with the sidelining of older cars, is credited with helping the city meet clean-air requirements. In fact, clean-air efforts have been so successful that the requirement for oxygenated fuel was lifted last winter. Even if that blend cost a small bump in price, it was well worth it.

So now that another gas-price myth has been exploded, perhaps we can face up to the real issue: worldwide demand is driving up prices and demand is going to exceed supplies for as long as we depend on fossil fuels. The industrialization of China and India alone has increased the demand and the competition for world oil supplies.

Weaning ourselves from oil will take a concerted effort from government and private industries that are exploring alternative fuels.

The high price of gasoline isn’t all bad, because it triggers the exploration and development of other sources. If it causes people to drive less, then that will benefit the environment.

Plus, becoming less reliant on oil from volatile areas of the world has positive national security implications.

Congress can get directly involved by taking long-called-for steps that reduce demand, such as increasing federal mileage requirements for automotive fleets and closing the loophole that allows SUVs to get worse mileage than other vehicles.

The Bush administration can help by stepping aside and allowing states such as Washington to proceed with clean-car legislation, which would improve vehicle mileage.

Politicians should have learned by now that Big Oil conspiracy theories and quick-hit relief efforts, such as tax holidays and rolling back environmental standards, are just hapless diversions.