Senators Urge EPA to Reverse Biden-Era Cargo Tank Rule, Protect Fuel Marketers

Senators Urge EPA to Reverse Biden-Era Cargo Tank Rule, Protect Fuel Marketers

Monday, March 2, 2026 – Today, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and nine additional senators called on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to immediately reverse a 2024 Biden administration rule that tightens annual vapor testing requirements for gasoline cargo tanks. The letter cautions that the regulation threatens fuel supply chains and places an undue burden on America’s small business fuel marketers.

In a formal letter to Administrator Zeldin, Senators highlighted how the rule imposes stricter standards, originating from California, that deviate sharply from long-standing federal requirements. The revised allowable pressure and vacuum changes for the cargo tank annual certification test now limits pressure loss during testing for all cargo tanks to just 0.50 to 1.25 inches of water over five minutes, depending on compartment size. This replaces the previous, more practical nationwide standard of three inches of water column, regardless of tank size.

“Small businesses in our states should not be subject to California’s regulatory overreach,” the letter states. “We urge you to continue the Trump administration’s longstanding support for small businesses by reversing this Biden-era mandate and restoring the prior cargo tank testing standard.”

The Energy Marketers of America (EMA) has already reported that some liquid fuel terminals are prematurely enforcing the new, tighter standards—well ahead of the 2027 compliance deadline—creating immediate compliance costs, operational confusion, and the very real risk of fuel supply disruptions. Cargo tank operators unable to meet the stricter limits on short notice could be denied access to terminals, directly threatening daily deliveries to thousands of gas stations, farms, ranches, emergency services, and other critical users.

“Gasoline is typically transported daily in large cargo tank vehicles collecting the product from supply terminals and delivering it directly to underground storage tanks at gas stations,” the letter explains. “Absent corrective action, these standards could result in fuel supply disruptions if cargo tank vehicles are denied terminal access due to an inability to immediately comply with these unnecessary requirements.”

The letter emphasized that the original, science-based standards had successfully protected air quality for decades without compromising the reliable flow of motor fuels that powers the American economy. Reinstating the prior pressure-loss thresholds would eliminate needless compliance burdens while preserving environmental protections.

Senators urged the EPA to engage directly with industry stakeholders to revise the final rule and restore regulatory certainty for the nation’s small business fuel distribution network.

“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,” the letter concludes.

“EMA expresses its appreciation for the Senators’ commitment to support America’s small business energy marketers,” said EMA President Rob Underwood.

Click here to read the letter.