The Florida Fuel Reserve Bill
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) today urged Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders to hold a hearing on legislation he filed last fall in the wake of Hurricane Irma that would require the federal government to set up fuel reserves on Florida’s east and west coasts that could be used in the event of another major storm hitting the state.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson’s Concern
“During Hurricane Irma, Floridians struggled with gas shortages throughout the state, leaving first responders with limited fuel options and threatening residents’ ability to safely evacuate,” Nelson wrote. “In the absence of preventative measures taken by the state, I’m concerned that Floridians are just as vulnerable to fuel shortages today as they were during last year’s hurricanes.”
The legislation Nelson filed last October would require the secretary of energy to create a “Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve” that would hold a minimum of one million barrels of refined petroleum products in two locations: one on Florida’s west coast and one on its east coast. The Department of Energy created a similar gas reserve in the Northeast following Superstorm Sandy.
Gas shortages became widespread throughout Florida as residents and visitors were ordered to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Irma last September. Those gasoline shortages not only affected Floridians trying to flee the storm’s path, but they also hampered first responders’ and local governments’ efforts to fully prepare for the storm.
Justification for Fuel Reserves
Once established, Nelson says the gas reserves he wants to create in Florida would be used to ensure that residents and first responders have access to the fuel they need before, during and after a storm.
“This reserve could be in the form of specific fuel terminals at various ports, tank farms strategically positioned along major evacuation routes, or a public-private partnership that keeps a rotating supply of gas available for emergencies,” Nelson wrote. “It’s important to consult with experts and emergency managers so that we can prepare for future storms immediately, and a congressional hearing would provide an opportunity to hear from them as well as other stakeholders.”
Nelson’s Letter to Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell
Following is the text of Nelson’s letter and a PDF copy is available here.
July 17, 2018
The Honorable Lisa Murkowski
Chairman
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
304 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Maria Cantwell
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
304 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell:
I’m writing to request that your committee hold a hearing on the recurring problem of fuel supply shortages during hurricanes. During Hurricane Irma, Floridians struggled with gas shortages throughout the state, leaving first responders with limited fuel options and threatening residents’ ability to safely evacuate. In the absence of preventative measures taken by the state, I’m concerned that Floridians are just as vulnerable to fuel shortages today as they were during last year’s hurricanes.
After Superstorm Sandy, the Department of Energy created a Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve. A reserve in Florida could be similarly positioned to alleviate the state’s unique vulnerability to natural disasters and fuel shortages.
That’s why I filed S. 1957, a bill endorsed by the National Consumers League that would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a Florida Gasoline Supply Reserve. This reserve could be in the form of specific fuel terminals at various ports, tank farms strategically positioned along major evacuation routes, or a public-private partnership that keeps a rotating supply of gas available for emergencies. It’s important to consult with experts and emergency managers so that we can prepare for future storms immediately, and a congressional hearing would provide an opportunity to hear from them as well as other stakeholders.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. I look forward to assisting you in any way I can to ensure Florida is better prepared for future storms.
