ILTA Continues Discussion with EPA on Gasoline Distribution Rules

Nearly 40 individuals from ILTA Member Companies are continuing to participate in the ILTA Gasoline Distribution Working Group (GDWG). The purpose of the working group is to engage with officials at the Environmental Protection Agency who are developing a new rule addressing hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from storage tanks and other equipment used in the distribution of gasoline.

Earlier this year, EPA indicated that it would release a proposed rule by December 2021 and a final rule by December 2022. ILTA learned in late October that EPA will be delaying publication of both the proposed rule and the final rule by six months. While this additional time for work with stakeholders like ILTA is welcome, the rule is still on an extremely fast track compared to similar air quality rules that commonly are developed over several years.

At an earlier meeting with EPA, the working group identified knowledge gaps regarding the operations of vapor recovery units (VRUs) and Vapor Combustion Units (VCUs). Working group members reached out to John Zinc and jointly developed an educational presentation for EPA detailing the differences between these technologies and incinerators. The distinction is critical because a misunderstanding could lead the agency to develop counterproductive standards for the equipment’s operation. The briefing call with EPA, ILTA and John Zinc was held October 20.

The next working group meeting is scheduled for November 16 at 2:00pm EST.  If you are interested in becoming a part of the working group, please email Jay Cruz: jcruz@ilta.org.