Rhode Island Bids Farewell to Fiddly Gas Pump Vapor Systems
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Rule
Summary
Rhode Island is officially ditching the old Stage II vapor recovery systems at gas stations, making fueling simpler and cutting down on outdated rules. This change kicks in on December 22, 2025, and mostly affects gas station owners who can now save on equipment costs. The EPA also gave a thumbs-up to some small updates on Stage I vapor rules to keep things fresh and clean.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Gas stations: Stage II rules removed
Rhode Island (via EPA approval) removes the requirement for Stage II vapor recovery equipment at gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs). This change is effective December 22, 2025, and (as stated in the document) can let gas station owners save on equipment costs and simplify fueling operations.
State vapor rules become federally enforceable
EPA incorporated Rhode Island's amended Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 11 into the State Implementation Plan and approved it for inclusion by reference, making the amended regulation federally enforceable under Clean Air Act sections 110 and 113 as of December 22, 2025. The SIP revision (submitted February 24, 2025) also includes minor updates to Stage I vapor recovery rules.
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