Rhode Island gas stations no longer need special equipment to capture fumes

Rhode Island is removing the requirement for gas stations to use special equipment that captures gasoline fumes during refueling. This means gas stations will no longer have to maintain or replace these systems, which were designed to reduce air pollution.

For decades, these vapor recovery systems were a standard part of air quality efforts, especially in areas trying to meet federal clean air standards. Removing the requirement means regulators believe the air quality benefits are now small enough to justify the cost and hassle for gas station owners. This shift often happens when vehicle technology improves enough to capture most of the fumes directly in the car.