EPA Fine-Tunes Gasoline Vapor Rules, Yawn
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is tweaking some rules for gasoline distribution and bulk gasoline terminals to clarify how equipment should operate and be checked, but these changes won’t make pollution limits any tougher or easier. Gasoline facilities need to pay attention to new details about vapor tightness and equipment checks, but no big costs or health impacts are expected. Comments on these proposed changes are due by November 12, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Annual compliance cost savings for area sources
If you operate an area-source gasoline distribution facility subject to NESHAP subpart BBBBBB, the EPA estimates the proposed monitoring changes could reduce total average annual compliance costs by $713,400 or $565,800 (in 2024 dollars), depending on which thermal-oxidation monitoring option is finalized. The proposal says these savings would occur if the amendments to thermal oxidation monitoring are finalized as proposed.
No net cost impact for major sources
The EPA states it does not anticipate a net cost impact on major-source gasoline distribution facilities subject to NESHAP subpart R as a result of the proposed amendments. The agency expects the proposed changes will not change the stringency of emission standards for major sources.
New LDAR timing and loading inspection rules
If your facility is subject to NSPS subpart XXa leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements, you must conduct the first instrument monitoring survey within 180 calendar days of becoming subject to the monitoring requirements. You must also conduct monitoring inspections when you are actively loading gasoline into a gasoline cargo tank, and the rule clarifies several exceptions and repair-followup provisions.
Longer averaging for vapor recovery limits
The EPA proposes to change vapor recovery concentration emission limits averaging from a 3-hour rolling average to a 6-hour rolling average for affected facilities. The proposal also would require a site-specific alternative monitoring plan during CEMS downtime instead of relying on the parameters of the 10 previous operational cycles.
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Key Dates
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