Last week, the agency and the Obama administration announced that, as part of a federal regulations review, the EPA will begin phasing out the rubber boots since nearly three-quarters of all cars on the road today have their own systems designed to prevent vapors from escaping.
"We will remain vigilant when it comes to eliminating regulations that are not necessary or that impose unnecessary burdens on America's families and businesses," President Barack Obama said in a statement released to members of the media.
A boot can cost gas stations around $3,000 each, the EPA said.
Initially, the boots were designed to fit over gas tank openings, but newer vehicles have special fuel filler necks that automatically keep vapors inside their tanks. The boots have long come under criticism from RV drivers, motorcyclists and owners of vintage cars because they tend to make the filling process significantly more difficult.
