Nelson Files Bill to Create Florida Fuel-Supply Reserve

Press Release

As parts of Northwest Florida find themselves in the potential path of yet another major storm forming in the Gulf, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is taking steps to ensure that Florida's residents and first responders have access to the gasoline they need before and after a storm.

Nelson filed legislation today to create a Florida gas supply reserve to prevent future gas shortages like those seen throughout the state before Hurricane Irma. Specifically, the legislation requires the secretary of energy to create a "Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve" that would hold a minimum of one million barrels of refined petroleum products in two locations: one on Florida's west coast and one on the east coast.

"When a major storm is heading towards our state, we have to make sure people have access to the gas they need to get out of harm's way," Nelson said. " A Florida gas reserve would not only help prevent some of the gas shortages we saw ahead of Hurricane Irma, but would also help ensure that our first responders have the fuel they need to help people during and after the storm."

Gas shortages became widespread throughout Florida as residents were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma. Those gas shortages affected not only residents and visitors trying to flee the storm's path, but also hampered first responders' and local governments' efforts to prepare for the storm.

Last month, Nelson sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Rick Perry urging him to use his authority to create a gasoline reserve supply for Florida, similar to the one the Department of Energy set up in the Northeast following Superstorm Sandy.

"DOE created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) in 2014 to ensure an emergency gasoline supply for future natural or man-made disasters in that region," Nelson wrote. "In the wake of Hurricane Irma, I urge you to consider using your authority to create a similar gasoline supply reserve for the State of Florida."

While Nelson has not yet received a response from Sec. Perry, the legislation he filed today would require the secretary to set up a reserve for Florida.

The text of Nelson's legislation is available here.

A copy of Nelson's Sept. 11 letter to Perry is available here.

Source