U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, both Republicans from Mississippi, have joined other lawmakers in requesting that the Trump administration reverse a rule implemented during the Biden administration. The rule in question requires annual cargo tank vapor tightness testing for fuel marketers transporting gasoline from supply terminals to local gas stations.
The senators signed a letter led by Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, addressed to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter asks for the repeal of the 2024 rule, which is based on regulatory standards set by California. According to the lawmakers, early enforcement of these standards at some supply terminals has created difficulties for small business fuel marketers.
“In discussions with small business owners in our respective states, we were made aware of the technical challenges and costly operational changes required to comply with this Biden EPA mandate. These challenges are already materializing as some operators at liquid fuel terminals are prematurely enforcing the revised vapor tightness standards ahead of the 2027 compliance date, creating confusion and imposing unexpected costs on small business fuel marketers,” the Senators wrote. “Industry stakeholders have warned that, absent corrective action by the Trump administration, these standards could result in fuel supply disruptions if charge tank vehicles are denied terminal access due to an inability to immediately comply with these unnecessary requirements.”
The senators also stated: “Small businesses in our states should not be subject to California’s regulatory overreach.” They urged the EPA to work with industry stakeholders to revise the current rule and restore previous standards.
“Reverting to this standard will support fuel supply continuity and ensure that first responders, motorists, farmers, ranchers, and other industries critical to America’s success have reliable access to an adequate fuel supply,” they continued.
Other signatories include Senators John Boozman (Arkansas), Shelley Moore Capito (West Virginia), Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming), John Curtis (Utah), Lindsey Graham (South Carolina), Jon Husted (Ohio), Pete Ricketts (Nebraska), and Dan Sullivan (Alaska).
Senator Wicker serves on several committees including as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and sits on the Congressional Board of Visitors for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy according to his official website. He also co-founded the Senate Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Caucus and authored legislation such as the SHIPS Act aimed at advancing U.S. naval capabilities (source). Wicker represents Mississippi (source) and has been recognized by organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers for his policy work (source).
Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Both she and Wicker serve on committees that oversee EPA matters.
