Requires gas stations to maintain backup generators capable of operating the gas pumps in the event of loss of electricity.
Summary
This bill would require every retail gas station in New York to maintain a backup generator that can operate all gas pumps on the property for at least 48 hours if the station loses its main source of electricity. The measure defines “retail gas station” broadly as a filling station that stores gasoline primarily for direct sale into motor vehicle or vessel fuel tanks.
The bill is aimed at keeping fuel available during power outages, especially after storms, grid failures, or other emergencies that can disable pumps even when fuel is on site. It would add a new section to the General Business Law and would take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving stations time to comply.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a new statewide operating requirement for retail gas stations and add a new regulatory obligation under the General Business Law. Gas station owners would need to install and maintain backup power systems sized to run all pumps for 48 hours, which could involve significant equipment, fuel, maintenance, and compliance costs. The law would primarily affect gas station operators and, indirectly, motorists and emergency planners by improving the likelihood that fuel remains available during outages.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded votes, so there is no documented debate or formal sentiment from legislative proceedings. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and emergency-preparedness proposal, with an emphasis on resilience and continuity of fuel service during electricity disruptions.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised in future debate, would likely include the cost of purchasing and maintaining generators, whether the mandate is feasible for small or rural stations, enforcement and inspection issues, and whether the 48-hour requirement should be uniform statewide or tailored to outage risk and station size.
Requires applications for retail gas station building permits to include one electric vehicle charging station using direct current fast chargers at such gasoline station per four gas dispensing pumps.
Requires applications for retail gas station building permits to include one electric vehicle charging station using direct current fast chargers at such gasoline station per four gas dispensing pumps.
Authorizes self-service gas stations to allow for hands-free gas dispensing by installing hold open clips on gasoline and diesel fuel dispensing nozzles.
Authorizes self-service gas stations to allow for hands-free gas dispensing by installing hold open clips on gasoline and diesel fuel dispensing nozzles.
Directs the division of weights and measures to inspect meters and other apparatus used for regulating and supplying gas or electricity to verify that such apparatus are properly maintained and calibrated.
Directs the division of weights and measures to inspect meters and other apparatus used for regulating and supplying gas or electricity to verify that such apparatus are properly maintained and calibrated.
Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land and schools with no pumping stations on the property.
Provides that water utility companies be responsible for all costs associated with maintenance, operation and delivery of water pumping stations to individual parcels of land and schools with no pumping stations on the property.