Assemblyman Adams issues statement on gas stations

This is a copy of Claremont Republican Anthony Adams' statement on the gas station issue.

SACRAMENTO - Responding to a crisis that could cause hundreds of local gas stations to close or face steep fines, Assemblyman Adams (R-Hesperia) today joined his Assembly Republican colleagues to introduce emergency legislation that will put a one-year enforcement holiday in place on a costly state mandate.

"Without this legislation hundreds of local gas stations could face substantial fines, ultimately putting them out of business," said Adams. "The rippling effect of this mandate could cause more people to lose their jobs and lead to higher gas prices at a time when we need to be looking to move the State forward."

Adams voiced strong support of legislation introduced by Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-Carlsbad) that will give gas stations across California immediate relief from a costly new mandate that takes effect today requiring them to install new fuel nozzles to improve air quality. More than 11,000 gas stations statewide are required to install the new fuel nozzles, at an average cost of over $50,000 per gas station. Without relief, stations that do not install these new nozzles could be forced by the Air Resources Board to shut down or pay hefty fines.

Adams said that even though the regulation was adopted by the Board in 2000, Board Members did not approve the type of fuel nozzle stations had to install until 2007, leaving them little time to purchase and install the upgrades. With the economic recession severely limiting available credit to small businesses, many gas station owners were unable to borrow the funds needed in time to install the new nozzles. As of March 23, just 4,080 systems had been installed statewide, with another 7,700 ordered. Even if every station that ordered equipment was able to do so today, another 3,680 stations would be out of compliance.

The emergency legislation that Adams supports would authorize a one-year "enforcement holiday" to give gas stations additional time to comply with the law. It will not repeal or alter any new requirements, but will delay enforcement by one year.

"The legislation would not alter environmental regulations nor eliminate the mandate, but simply allow gas stations more time to comply," said Adams. "I hope that Republicans and Democrats can work together in passing this legislation to protect small businesses and jobs, while effectively improving air quality."