Service Stations Must Install Vapor Controls

The nation’s auto makers appear to have won a battle against oil companies over who is responsible for reducing auto vapor emissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency this week will drop a controversial proposal that would have forced auto makers to install canisters in cars to trap pollution-causing vapors, a White House official said Monday.

Instead, the EPA will require service stations to install nozzles on gasoline pumps to catch the emissions.

“It was concluded that it is cheaper and more cost effective to upgrade equipment at refueling stations,” the official said.

An EPA official said President Bush is likely to make the canister announcement, along with other measures to help the ailing automobile industry, when he visits Detroit on Friday, four days before the Michigan primary.

For years, vapor recovery has been a contentious issue between auto and oil companies. Neither wants the responsibility of installing the devices, which catch vapors that escape as vehicle tanks are being refueled.

Vehicles already contain canisters to trap vapors that escape when a car is dormant.

The EPA estimated that new canisters would add $15 to $20 to the price of a new car.