EPA air toxics rule for gasoline facilities faces lawsuits

By Sean Reilly | 07/10/2024 04:31 PM EDT

Three industry groups launched legal challenges to a rule slashing hazardous pollutants from the gas distribution network.

A storage tank is marked "GASOLINE" at the Boston Autoport terminal along the Charlestown waterfront.

A storage tank at the Boston Autoport terminal along the Charlestown waterfront on May 24, 2022, in Boston. A new lawsuit targets EPA's recent rule cutting air emissions from gas distribution facilities. Charles Krupa/AP

Three fuel industry trade groups are suing to overturn recently strengthened air toxics regulations for the United States’ far-flung gasoline distribution network.

The stiffened requirements, which apply to about 9,500 pipeline stations, bulk gasoline terminals and other parts of the network, are expected to cut emissions of benzene, a carcinogen, and other hazardous pollutants by about 2,200 tons per year. In addition, the rule will drive reductions in annual releases of smog-forming volatile organic compounds of about 45,400 tons, according to EPA.

At least some of those operations are disproportionately located near communities of color, the agency found. Around the 117 gasoline distribution facilities classified as major source of hazardous air pollution, for example, Latinos generally make up a “significantly higher” part of the population than their representation in the United States as a whole, the regulations say.

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The final package also encompasses the first update to the standards for new and modified bulk terminals since the Reagan administration.

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