Committee approves bill barring local bans on new gas stations, citing 'critical infrastructure'

Senator Missy Irvin (District 24) told the committee HB 15 72 is aimed at protecting consumers' access to transportation fuel by preempting local ordinances that would prohibit construction of new gas stations. "Transportation fuel is critical infrastructure," Irvin said, adding examples of local bans in California and Florida that prompted state action.

Irvin framed the bill as ensuring consumer choice about fueling options and as preemptive action in response to bans in other states. Committee members asked no substantive follow-up questions, and no witnesses signed up to speak for or against the bill during the session.

The committee voted on a motion and second, called the voice vote and recorded the bill as passed in committee.

The bill will proceed from committee with the committee's recommendation.