Despite the push from multiple governments worldwide, people are still choosing to drive gas cars. In some cases, people need to put gas into gas containers, which never used to be something to worry about.
However, a new style of gas container is causing some worries for many, as they have been exploding in the backs of cars. But why is this happening?
New Gasoline Can Regulations
The new gasoline can regulations came into place in January 2009. While this was over a decade ago, people are still having problems with this style of gas can today.
The new regulations stated that all portable gas cans must meet the Mobile Source Air Toxic Regulations, which are based on the California Air Resources Board’s regulations. They must also meet the requirements of the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act.
The New Gasoline Container
The new gasoline container was designed to help protect the planet. As companies recognize that people still need them, despite the push for EV sales, they wanted to create a new style of container that could allow people to use gas without harming the planet as much.
The issue is that the container lacks an air vent. Gas containers require an air vent so that they don’t expand and explode, but the new design removed this aspect, making it more challenging for gas fumes to get into the environment.
What Are Evaporative Emissions?
Gas fumes that enter the environment are also known as evaporative emissions. These toxic gases aren’t the result of fuel combustion but rather of the evaporation of the fuel.
Reducing evaporative emissions can help reduce the amount of toxic gas in the air. This is beneficial for human health and lowers the impact of climate change.
Some States Are Banning Gas-Powered Cars
The move to electric vehicles (EVs) has reached the point where some states have started banning gas-powered cars. Out of all 50 states, 12 of them are doing this.
This comes after President Joe Biden wants to make all vehicle sales electric by 2030. California, Delaware, Washington, and Massachusetts are some of the states banning the sale of gas cars, and they plan to do so over the next few years.
Why Pushing EV Sales Won’t Work
Biden might want to push EV sales, but it has been pointed out that this is unlikely to work for several reasons. One is that it will hurt the car industry, as not enough companies are prepared for the number of EVs that will be needed on the market.
If this is the case, it could cause the American economy to plummet, mainly as the car industry currently generates over $2.5 trillion yearly. The final reason is that most people can’t afford EVs, so people are unlikely to buy them and could be left without a car.
Republicans Will Overturn Biden’s Gas Car Laws
However, if Donald Trump and the Republican Party win the election, the ban on gas cars will be overturned. This is because they still want the public to be able to purchase this style of car.
This all comes down to climate change, with Trump outwardly denying that the climate crisis even exists. As this is a big issue of contention in the upcoming election, some Americans believe it is the difference between protecting and destroying the planet.
Other Issues With the New Design
It’s not just a lack of air vent that is the only issue with this new gas can design. They have also been designed so they aren’t dangerous to children, which has made them more challenging to use.
A locking device has been added to prevent the gas from pouring out unless a lever is pressed. Some people feel they need three hands to use them, especially as the spring-loaded nozzles need to rest on the tank at the right angle for gas flow.
Old Gas Cans Are Still Available
Some people have suggested buying the old gas cans if you don’t already have them, as these don’t have the new regulations attached to them. However, these aren’t available to buy in stores.
Instead, you would have to see if there are any at a thrift store or yard sale that you could buy. Even though they aren’t up-to-date with the new regulations, there’s nothing to stop you from buying the old ones where you can find them.
Gas Containers Explode Under Certain Conditions
The issue is that gas cans can explode under certain conditions. An investigation found that when under these conditions, mostly heat-related, the gas cans can explode and cause severe burns.
As a result, the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act (2020) was signed into law, which required portable gas cans to be fitted with flame mitigation devices.
Lawsuits Over Exploding Gas Cans
Over the years, there have been multiple lawsuits regarding exploding gas cans and people experiencing severe burns from them. In some cases, the injuries caused by the explosion have been fatal.
There was one case in 2010 where a 19-year-old man had severe burns that covered over 80% of his body, which occurred as a result of an exploding gas can. Due to the severity of his injuries, the man ended up dying.
The Importance of Gas Can Safety
The main thing to remember in all of this is gas can safety, and that is not to leave a gas can near a burning flame or any form of heat, due to the risks that come with it.
However, with continuing redesigns of gas cans frustrating those who use them, there is some debate of whether the old design should still be used, or if they should just have to deal with the impracticality of the design, with many thinking there should be some sort of compromise.
