SB 346

Until 2012, state and federal law required operators of gasoline stations in

certain areas to operate systems (called stage II vapor recovery systems) to capture

vapors that would otherwise be released into the air when gasoline is pumped into

motor vehicles. Current law requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

to administer a program to provide grants to operators of gasoline stations to pay a

portion of the costs they incur in removing these systems. The law requires DNR to

promulgate rules for the administration of the grant program, including rules that

specify which costs are eligible costs.

This bill eliminates the requirement that DNR promulgate rules for the

program that provides grants for the costs of removing stage II vapor recovery

systems. The bill specifies the costs that are eligible costs under the program,

including the cost of labor and parts to replace hoses and nozzles and of performing

testing that is required to ensure that the work involved has been performed

properly.