A state senator in New Jersey reintroduced a bill this week that would allow Garden State residents and visitors to pump their own gas — but even the author is dubious about its chances of making it past committee.
The bill, proposed by Republican Sen. Jon Bramnick, would require gas stations in the state with four or more pumps to have both full and self-service options. An attendant would still be onsite to help anyone with a disability, but beyond that, people would be free to fill up their gas on their own.
Full-service gas stations have become a hallmark of New Jersey as the last state standing that prohibits self-service fueling. Motorists pumping their own gas has been illegal in the state since 1949’s Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which in part aimed to limit customer exposure to fuel because of 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.
