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A bill has been reintroduced by a state senator in New Jersey this week to permit individuals in the Garden State to pump their own gas. However, even the bill’s sponsor is uncertain about its likelihood of advancing past the committee.
The proposed bill, put forth by Republican Sen. Jon Bramnick, would mandate gas stations in the state with four or more pumps to offer both full-service and self-service options. While there would still be an attendant available to assist those with disabilities, individuals would otherwise be allowed to refuel their vehicles by themselves.
Full-service gas stations have long been a defining characteristic of New Jersey, being the only state that prohibits self-service fueling. The ban on motorists pumping their own gas dates back to 1949 under the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which was aimed at reducing customer exposure to fuel due to its high flammability.
In 2023, Oregon lifted its 72-year-old ban prohibiting people from pumping their own gas, relegating New Jersey to a league of its own.
New Jerseyans aren’t exactly up in arms about the matter, though.
“A, number 1, it’s convenient when it’s cold or it’s raining. Number 2, it’s convenient when it’s hot. And number 3, we need jobs,” full-service hold-out Tina Giannini from Washington Township told CBS News.
Bramnick is abundantly aware that his proposal is remarkably unpopular, even among his own constituents. Still, he thinks expanding fueling options would be more convenient for everyone, but he still respects the passion that full-service fans hold tight to.
“I get it because I’ve seen a few four-letter words in my legislative office on some emails. But I think it’s the right thing to bring up the discussion again,” Bramnick told the station.
A similar bipartisan bill was proposed in 2022, but it didn’t even make it out of committee. Bramnick knows his bill’s chances aren’t the best, but he is holding on to hope.
“This could be a Dracula bill. It could never see the light of day. But I’m gonna give it a shot,” Bramnick said.