Barry Moore Introduces Freedom to Fuel Act

U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL1) and Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) have introduced the Freedom to Fuel Act, legislation aimed at ending federal emissions rules for portable fuel containers that critics say have made everyday gas cans harder to use.

Moore said the bill would “restore common sense” to federal rulemaking by stopping the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing what he calls “unnecessary and burdensome regulations on something as basic and essential as a gas can.”

“For years, farmers, construction crews, small businesses, and homeowners have been forced to use government-mandated, slow-pour, spill-prone gas cans that break easily and make simple tasks harder,” Moore said. “From day one, President Trump and Republicans have been committed to cutting red tape, empowering American workers, and restoring common sense. The Freedom to Fuel Act is one more step toward eliminating outdated rules and bringing policy that makes the American people’s lives easier back to Washington.”

Fedorchak echoed that frustration. “Who hasn’t had the maddening experience of filling up a lawnmower or snowmobile with gas only to spill it everywhere because of the terrible nozzles?” she said. “Gas cans contribute only a tiny share of emissions, yet the Biden administration created an emissions mandate that resulted in this frustrating design. Glad to work with Rep. Moore on the Freedom to Fuel Act to roll back this nonsense.”

The legislation targets a 2007 EPA rule that set strict evaporative-emissions limits on portable fuel containers. Under that rule, containers must meet federal standards for hydrocarbon emissions, with limits on fuel vapor release that took effect for products made after 2008.

Manufacturers say the regulations pushed them toward more complex, ventless designs to meet the standards. Critics argue those designs can slow fuel flow and make spills more likely — especially when filling yard or recreational equipment.

Supporters of the Freedom to Fuel Act say the EPA rule has created costly testing and certification burdens for smaller producers without delivering meaningful environmental benefits.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

• Amends the Clean Air Act to clarify the definition of “consumer or commercial product.”
• Excludes portable fuel containers, fuels, and fuel additives from federal product emissions rules.
• Prevents duplicative or inappropriate EPA oversight over portable gas cans.

The bill, designated H.R.7000, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on introduction.