Relative to emergency back up power at gasoline stations
Impact
If passed, H3492 would significantly impact operational standards for gasoline stations across Massachusetts. Retail dealers will be required to maintain and regularly inspect their alternative power generation systems to ensure they can adequately serve customers during emergencies. This will aid in maintaining public welfare during critical times, making fuel accessible for both emergency responders and the general populace who rely on gasoline-powered vehicles.
Summary
House Bill H3492 aims to ensure access to motor fuel during declared states of emergency by mandating that all retail gasoline dealers are equipped with alternative power generation devices. This legislation stipulates that these devices must be capable of maintaining safe operational conditions for dispensing motor fuel, payment systems, and safety equipment necessary during power outages. The intent of the bill is to mitigate fuel accessibility issues that may arise during emergencies when standard energy supplies may be disrupted.
Contention
There are potential discussions surrounding compliance costs for retail dealers who may need to invest in new infrastructure to meet the requirements set forth by H3492. Some stakeholders might express concern about the financial burden on smaller dealers and the implications this could have on local businesses. Furthermore, the enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for non-compliance, may raise input from both legislators and business advocacy groups regarding fairness and practicality of implementation.