Sen. Bill Nelson today asked the head of FEMA to help address South Florida’s growing shortage of gasoline.
“As a growing number of Floridians are being ordered to evacuate, we need to ensure that these evacuees have access to the gasoline they need to escape this approaching storm,” Nelson wrote in a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “I strongly urge FEMA to use all available resources and authorities to assist those evacuating this potentially catastrophic storm, including pre-positioning fuel supplies near and along evacuation routes so those running low on fuel can obtain an emergency supply to get them out of harm’s way.”
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter to FEMA:
September 6, 2017
The Honorable William B. Long
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472
Dear Administrator Long:
As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida’s coast, I’m asking for your help to address a growing gasoline shortage in South Florida. According to published reports, one out of every four gas stations along Florida’s east coast – from Miami to West Palm Beach – are out of fuel. And several other stations in the area have only a limited supply of gasoline left.
As a growing number of Floridians are being ordered to evacuate, we need to ensure that these evacuees have access to the gasoline they need to escape this approaching storm. In 2005, we saw thousands of people stuck on the side of the road as they tried to leave Houston during Hurricane Rita. We cannot allow this to happen again.
I strongly urge FEMA to use all available resources and authorities to assist those evacuating this potentially catastrophic storm, including pre-positioning fuel supplies near and along evacuation routes so those running low on fuel can obtain an emergency supply to get them out of harm’s way.
Finally, I have asked the Federal Trade Commission to monitor reports of fuel price gouging to make sure Floridians are not being taken advantage of, and I would ask that FEMA also do what it can to assist Floridians at this vulnerable time.
Thank you in advance for your prompt response to this urgent request.
Sincerely,
