HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32
(By Delegate Warner)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make
a study of the safety aspects of self-service gasoline
stations.
Whereas, There is no regulation or control of the
self-service of dispensing gasoline at service or gasoline
stations or at convenience stores in the state of West Virginia;
and
Whereas, This makes safety standards that apply to the
dispensing of flammable liquids, with exposure to toxic fumes,
practically unenforceable, a situation which is increased when
the customer is, including, but not limited to, senior citizens,
disabled persons, pregnant females or otherwise incapacitated;
and
Whereas, It is questionable, at least in the state of West
Virginia, if the increased use of self-service gasoline has
resulted in a decrease of gasoline prices at the pump; and
Whereas, There should be some mandatory alternative to the
many dangers and inconveniences presented by the existence of so
numerous self-serve gasoline facilities and the lack of full-service offered to the many customers who are forced to
purchase gasoline at self-serve facilities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to review, study and conduct an examination of the
situation of self-service at gasoline stations, together with the
problems and dangers presented thereby, the safety aspects and
alternatives, including the requirement that all such facilities
also provide at least one full-service island for gasoline and
other fuel services and make recommendations regarding the
situation of the dispensing of self-service gasoline and the
benefits of full- service islands and their impact on the
citizenry of this state, particularly with regard to their
economic, health, safety and welfare; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998;,
on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with
drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance.