Action Needed to Avoid Gas Shortages, Price Hikes

If the Legislature doesn’t do something about outdated regulations, drivers in our region could be facing higher gasoline prices and shorter supplies next summer.

Since the 1990s, service stations and convenience stores in southwestern Pennsylvania have been forced during summer months to sell a special blend of gasoline that resists evaporation. 

But automobile technology has changed quite a bit since then and it’s time to end the special rules that make our drivers pay more. New vapor recovery systems in cars have sharply reduced the amount of gasoline evaporating into the atmosphere, making the special rule for our region redundant and costly.

Quick action is needed because Sunoco and ConocoEnergy have announced they are shutting down three refineries in southeastern Pennsylvania, reducing the amount of gasoline that will be refined in the region.

Sen. Elder Vogel and I have co-sponsored legislation that will end the special gas requirement and the requirement that all fuel pumps be equipped with vapor recovery systems.

Honoring a Fallen Police Officer

The Senate this week unanimously passed my resolution honoring the extraordinary life of East Washington Police Officer John David Dryer, who was killed in the line of duty Dec. 19, during a traffic stop on Interstate 70.

A veterinarian by training, officer Dryer’s service in law enforcement was more of a calling that it was a job. He didn't do it to put food on the table. He did it out of his desire to serve. Dryer was also a dog trainer, a wildlife conservation officer, a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician. 

It’s an understatement to say he’ll be missed by all the organizations he served and there are no words to describe the shock his murder dealt to the community.

I have also introduced legislation to rename the interstate interchange near where officer Dryer was shot. Senate Bill 1382 would re-designate the current Beau Street Interchange as the Officer John David Dryer Memorial Interchange.

I hope that everyone who reads this column will visit officer Dryer’s Officer Down Memorial Page or his memorial Facebook page.