Lawmakers Send Letters to EPA Requesting UST Compliance Testing Delay

On June 8, the U.S. Senate sent a bipartisan letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt requesting that the compliance deadline in the 2015 underground storage tank amendments for containment sumps, spill buckets and overfill prevention equipment operability testing be delayed until October 13, 2024. The letter was led by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). Meanwhile, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee spearheaded by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) also sent their own letter on June 7. The extension of the compliance deadline would allow tank owners and operators adequate time to acquire the capital needed to pay for the compliance costs associated with the initial testing requirements.

“The EPA’s 1988 UST system upgrade regulations provided a full ten years for the regulated community to comply. By comparison, the 2015 upgrade requirements provide only three years for small business petroleum marketers to comply,” the letter stated. PMAA is concerned that replacing UST system equipment that was functioning properly before the mandated inspections, could place small businesses petroleum marketers in a difficult position.

“We thank both Senator Moran and Rep. Walberg for leading this effort to help petroleum marketers, but most especially small businesses across the country. The final UST rule encompasses more than just running an initial test as it could technically be a costly mandate for upgrades or replacement of UST system equipment. Extending the compliance deadline will not only keep small businesses in business, but it will also help the environment in the long run,” said PMAA President Rob Underwood.

Click here to read the House letter and here to read the Senate letter.