Weprin Bill Would Require Gas Stations to Have Back Up Power Sources

State Assemblyman David Weprin, D-Little Neck, has introduced legislation that would require all New York gas stations to have back up power sources in the case of a severe storm.

The assemblyman said many residents in his district have been forced to wait in extremely long lines for gas following Hurricane Sandy’s visit to the city last week.

“It just makes common sense to be pro-active and prepared for these increasingly destructive storms,” he said. “It isn’t good for anyone to be unprepared, but especially our gas stations because of our reliance on gasoline. We all need to be able to function as quickly as possible after a storm strikes.”

Weprin said it has been difficult to find gas stations that are open and operational in northeast Queens during the past week.

Many stations have fuel but are still without electricity, preventing them from pumping gas. This has led to long waits for gas at stations that have electricity, he said.

Under Weprin’s bill, gas stations would be required to have a generator that is capable of supplying at least 72 hours of power in case of an emergency.

The generators would need to be available for use no later than 24 hours after a disaster.

Gas stations must also have a transfer switch installed by a professional electrical contractor.

“I will do my part in Albany to see this bill become law long before another Hurricane Sandy.”