Stations were told in 2000 that they were required to upgrade vapour recovery systems at a cost of around $10,000 (£6,880) a pump.
However, up to a third are thought to have not complied with the order, which was imposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
With credit now difficult to come by, many firms are unable to raise the finance to make the modifications, KABC reports. A deadline of April 1st has been set and the CARB has not agreed to move the date back.
State Senator Ron Calderon has now written to the board to add his voice to those looking for extra leeway. He is also seeking to find out exactly how much the stations will be fined for non-compliance.
According to KSBY, some areas, such as San Luis Obispo, have been granted a later deadline of July 1st 2011.
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