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Generating Concerns On Proposal Half Hollow Hills photo/archives
Lines like these were common after Hurricane Sandy knocked out power to many gas stations, causing a fuel shortage. By Danny Schrafel dschrafel@longislandernews.com
A trade organization representing the service station industry on Long Island is seeking changes to a proposal to require all gas stations to have generators and be able to hook them up. The legislation, proposed by Legislator Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) would require all gas stations with four or more pumping stations to have the infrastructure they need to make a switch to an alternative power source. It was introduced in the weeks following Hurricane Sandy, which crippled the tri-state area’s fuel supply system and caused widespread shortages. Kevin Beyer, president of the Long Island Gasoline Retailers Association, said the organization opposes the legislation in its current form, but will work with Stern to develop “a viable plan to handle the power outages.” “There’s been so much thrown into the news about generators. It’s not like [go-
ing to] Home Depot and buying one off the rack and placing it there,” Beyer told legislators Nov. 20. “There are other alternatives, and we look forward to working with him. Hopefully we’ll come up with a viable plan for that.” Qualifying gas stations would be required to install the switch capability, and have a generator ready to be brought in for when the power goes out, Stern said. He is seeking state, federal and county aid by way of tax breaks, incentives and grants to help station owners install those upgrades. In an earlier interview, Beyer said requiring gas station owners to purchase a generator sufficient to power the essential elements to operate a station could cost about $30,000, and without comprehensive financial support, the law could create a sizable “unfunded mandate” for his members. The hearing was recessed until the legislature’s Dec. 4 meeting, which took place after press time.
THE HALF HOLLOW HILLS NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 6, 2012 • A7