EPA Rule on Chemical Storage Tanks Axed: New Bill Could Increase Air Pollution

This bill throws out a recent EPA rule designed to control emissions from storage tanks holding volatile organic liquids (stuff like gasoline and other chemicals that evaporate easily). Specifically, it targets the EPA's 'New Source Performance Standards Review for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels' (89 Fed. Reg. 83296), effectively killing the regulation.

Tanks a Lot for Nothing?

The now-defunct EPA rule was meant to tighten up how much of these chemicals could be released into the air from storage facilities. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a big deal because they contribute to smog and can cause health problems. By scrapping this rule, the bill potentially allows more of these pollutants to be released.

Real-World Ripple

Imagine a town next to a large fuel storage facility. Under the EPA rule, that facility might have needed to install new tech to capture vapors that escape from tanks. Now, without those requirements, the company can skip that upgrade. For the people living nearby, this could mean more exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, especially on hot days when these liquids evaporate faster. This is a real concern for folks working in or living near industrial areas, where air quality is already a big deal.

The Bottom Line

This bill is all about dialing back environmental regulations. It means companies storing volatile organic liquids won't have to meet the standards set by the scrapped EPA rule. While this might save them money in the short term, it raises questions about the long-term trade-offs for air quality and public health, particularly in communities near these storage sites. There is also the challenge that local and state governments might have to step in to create their own regulations, creating a patchwork of rules across the country. This bill basically hits the brakes on federal efforts to control a specific type of air pollution, and it's worth watching how this plays out on the ground.