House hearing for Goodman’s emergency gas station bill

February 14, 2007

OLYMPIA – Legislation to keep gas pumping during an emergency received a hearing today in a House committee. Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) testified on his bill, urging members to plan now for the next crisis.

Goodman referred to December’s windstorm as an example of why the current system isn’t working.

“We had a fuel crisis, but not because of a shortage of gasoline,” Goodman said. “Electrical disruptions mean stations with fuel can’t get it to desperate consumers.”

“As one member brought up during testimony, public order can quickly deteriorate when demand for gasoline far outweighs supply.”

Areas hit hard during the windstorm, like Woodinville, Kirkland, Duvall and other east-King County cities, make up Goodman’s 45th District.

“We have lots of beautiful trees here and it’s great, except during a windstorm,” Goodman said. “It’d be unfortunate not to plan now for the next disaster, whether it be another storm, an earthquake or any other emergency.”

“We need to ensure that people have access to fuel for their vehicles at all times, especially during emergencies. Requiring a backup electrical supply for gas stations would help us meet the goals we have for disaster planning.”

The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee heard the bill and will need to vote to approve it before it can be considered on the House floor.

Details of the Consumer Emergency Motor Fuel Act (HB 2053):

- Stations must be capable of operating during an outage by Dec 1, 2008

- A portion of the equipment costs and installation can be taken as a tax credit

- Smaller stations with a monthly average of 125,000 gallons are exempt

- Each station shall keep a log attesting the system as functional

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Staff contact - Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

HB 2053: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/Summary.aspx?bill=2053&year=2007

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at ^{frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or 360.786.7208.}