In Wake Of Sandy, Cuomo Proposes Storm Generators For Gas Stations
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed making grants to key gas
stations so they can run backup generators and keep pumping after disruptive
storms and avoid a replay of Superstorm Sandy, when many shut down.
After last fall’s storms and flooding, many stations
around the Tri-State area had fuel but lacked power and couldn’t pump, leading
to shortages, lines, hoarding and price gouging.
As a result, gas rationing rules were put into effect in
New York City, Long Island and parts of Westchester and Rockland counties.
Similar rules were also imposed by Gov. Chris Christie in New Jersey.
The Cuomo administration is proposing grants up to
$10,000 from federal disaster funds to help about one-third of New York’s 6,000
gas stations install the wiring for backup generators.
In budget proposals that will be submitted Thursday,
stations along evacuation routes or near highway exits must make arrangements
for backup generators within 24 hours after they lose power.
Meanwhile, Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on federal
authorities to investigate gas prices as they continue to climb nationwide.
He’s also pushing for a long-term plan to break up big oil companies into
several smaller ones to create more competition.
“We now have only about four large companies. That means
when prices go up, they go up much faster and when the come down, it’s much
slower,” Schumer said.
But Cuomo wants to go after stations that are raising
prices unreasonably.
“To the extent the state does have jurisdiction, there
shouldn’t be any gas gouging or exploitation of the situation,” he said.
The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.77
compared to $3.63 in New Jersey and $3.98 in Connecticut. In New York, it’s $4.
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