Senator Golden And Other Pols Propose Disaster Relief Tax Incentive For Gas Stations

After Hurricane Sandy, many gas stations around the city were closed. For the ones that remained open, gas lines were so long that a rationing system had to be enacted on November 9. To keep more gas available for motorists after disaster strikes, Senator Marty Golden and Assemblymembers Nicole Malliotakis, Jim Tedisco and Pete Lopez drafted legilature with a focus on tax incentives for gas stations to help purchase and pay for generators.

According to the Legislative Gazette:

The legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $15,000 to encourage gas stations and convenience stores across the state to install commercial generators to keep gas flowing when the power grid is down. A commercial-size generator costs between $5,000 and $30,000 to install and up to another $8,000 a year to maintain, according to the lawmakers.

On his Facebook page, Golden wrote:

Today, I joined Assembly members Nicole Malliotakis, Jim Tedisco and Pete Lopez in announcing that we are drafting new legislation to help prevent the long lines and long waits for gas that occurred following Superstorm Sandy. The legislation would provide a tax credit of up to $15,000 to encourage gas stations and convenience stores across the state to install commercial generators to keep gas flowing when the power grid is down.

As we begin a new legislative session, the people of New York City and State will look to see how New York’s government will address, and thus take measures to prevent, a gas crisis like we saw following Superstorm Sandy. This tax incentive will encourage gas stations to take the necessary steps to be ready for such instances. A common sense solution like this will prevent the long lines, the arguments and give people peace of mind, knowing they will be able to get gas and subsequently travel.

This plan is one of many that have been presented to Governor Andrew Cuomo regarding effective disaster planning for the future.