HCS HB 508 -- FUEL STORAGE

SPONSOR:  Hoskins (Pratt)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Urban Issues by a vote of 8 to 0.

Currently, Missouri's laws pre-empt the regulation of various
fuels.  This substitute allows Jackson County and political
subdivisions within the county to regulate or prohibit the
installation and placement of fuel storage tanks with a 48,000
gallon or more capacity.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that large tanks are unsightly, can
be a safety hazard to an area, and lower local property values.
This issue should be under local control.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Pratt; Carol Tagert;
Leonard Jacques; Roy Meier; Edith Jacques; Elton Target; and Emma
Lou Meier.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the current system
of control allows the Department of Agriculture to maintain
conformity and consistency across the state and within the
industry.  Larger tanks provide for a more stable pricing; and
from a safety point of view, larger tanks seem to have less
problems than smaller tanks.

Testifying against the bill were Department of Agriculture; and
Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:19 pm