Committee adopts resolution urging return of older vented gas cans

The Environmental Affairs Rules Committee on an uncontested voice vote passed a resolution backing a return to pre‑ban vented gasoline cans, saying the older design was easier to pour and favored by many users.

Senator Toms introduced the measure, saying the vented can had been a “trustworthy, reliable tool” and arguing that newer spouted designs “take three hands to actually pour” and tend to spill. “What I'm trying to do with this resolution is to get back something that worked very useful,” he told the committee.

The resolution, as presented, urges federal lawmakers and the presidential administration to consider restoring the older vented design. Toms said the text traces the history of the gas can through World War II and later and credited his staff and the committee legal counsel for drafting the language.

Committee members offered brief supportive remarks during discussion. Several members told anecdotal stories about the older cans and said they had broad public support. With no extended debate, a motion was made and seconded and the chair called the roll. Members recorded on the roll as voting in favor included Senator Jackson, Senator Niezgotski, Senator Zay, Senator Buck and Senator Bush; several members were noted as excused. The committee chair announced the measure passed 7‑0.

The resolution is advisory and does not by itself change product regulations or federal law. Senator Toms said he planned to pursue additional steps after the committee, including sending the resolution to the state’s congressional delegation and the White House.

Supporters framed the resolution as restoring a familiar consumer product; opponents or public commenters were not recorded during the committee hearing. The measure passed with unanimous committee support and will be forwarded according to the committee’s usual process.