How do vapor recovery systems benefit the environment?

Vapor recovery systems are designed to minimize the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful vapors into the atmosphere during fuel transfer and storage processes. This is essential because these vapors can contribute to air pollution and have significant negative impacts on both human health and the environment.

By capturing and controlling these harmful vapors before they can escape into the atmosphere, vapor recovery systems help to enhance air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower the overall carbon footprint of fuel handling operations. This function is particularly important in urban areas where air pollution can reach critical levels.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose and benefits of vapor recovery systems. For instance, reducing fuel efficiency contradicts the goals of these systems. Instead, they aim to ensure that the fuel being dispensed is utilized effectively while minimizing waste through vapor emissions. Promoting fuel sales is unrelated to the environmental focus of vapor recovery systems, and increasing operational costs runs counter to the long-term savings these systems can provide by decreasing pollution control fines and improving community relations.