Senate adopts resolution urging repeal of EPA vented‑gas‑can ban after lawmakers recount impacts

The Senate unanimously (by wide margin) adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 26, urging the United States Congress and the President to repeal what the resolution describes as the Environmental Protection Agency ban on vented gas cans. Senator Toms introduced the resolution and framed it as a common‑sense fix for everyday users of portable fuel containers; he argued the EPA rule has made modern gas cans difficult to use and can increase spillage.

Senator Toms recounted the history of the jerry can and said the 2007 EPA rule (implemented in 2009) requiring sealed, self‑venting spouts has produced cans that "belch" or "pour unevenly," in his view. The resolution text cited a California Air Resources Board rule from 1999 and the federal EPA action in 2007/2009. Toms asked the Senate to urge repeal of the EPA requirements; the resolution (per the adopted language read on the floor) directs the secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to "President Donald Trump and each member of the Indiana federal congressional delegation." That language is as recorded in the transcript.

Several senators rose to support the resolution on the floor. Senator Niemeyer said he had not known the older vented cans were now illegal and praised the measure; Senator Lising and Senator Bush offered anecdotes about constituents and family members preferring the older vented cans; Senator Gascole (as transcribed) described personal experience with modern cans expanding, crumpling, or ejecting parts when temperatures change.

A roll call was requested by Senator Toms. The clerk and teller announced the result: the recorded vote showed 46 yeas and 1 no, and the secretary was instructed to notify the House of the resolution’s passage.

Action: Senate Concurrent Resolution 26 was adopted; the clerk will transmit copies to the federal officials listed in the resolution text.