Air Pollution

EPA's Efforts To Control Vehicle Refueling and Evaporative Emissions Gao ID: RCED-87-151 August 7, 1987

In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposals to adequately control motor vehicle refuelling and evaporative emissions, including the costs and benefits of alternative methods.

GAO found that: (1) EPA considered two alternatives for controlling refuelling emissions and determined that the onboard control method was superior; (2) the onboard control method requires motor vehicle manufacturers to equip vehicles with emission control systems; and (3) while onboard controls would cost an estimated $180 million per year and add about $19 to the average vehicle price, they would provide long-term emissions reductions and free consumers from the operation of any control equipment. GAO also found that: (1) by 1989, EPA plans to reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 6 percent by reducing the volatility of commercial gasoline during the summer months; (2) this plan would cost oil refineries an estimated $490 million annually and consumers about $20 per vehicle; and (3) while the motor vehicle industry favors lowering the volatility of commercial gasoline, the oil industry favors raising the volatility certification and modification of the evaporative emission control systems to handle higher gasoline volatility.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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