What can you do in 49 of the 50 states, but not here in New Jersey? Pump your own gas. And if the state’s new Senate President has his way, that isn’t going to change.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-District 22) opposes a bill that would make self-serve gas stations legal in the Garden State. Scutari told NJ Monitor he opposes self-serve gas stations, at least for now. “The people of New Jersey are very clear in wanting to keep the system we have now, and there is no data supporting any contention that moving to a self-service model would save residents money at the pump. However, if the public sentiment changes or there is in fact data showing that it would dramatically reduce costs, I would reconsider,” Scutari said.
If the bill were to become law, it would not eliminate gas stations with attendants to pump gas. It would permit New Jersey to have full-service, self-service, or a combination of both. Full-service would be available from 8 am through 8 pm at stations with at least four pumps.
Hoboken Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro is one of the co-sponsors of the proposed legislation.