During his time at the Legislature, Councilmember Brossett co-authored a bill that required all new gas stations to be capable of switching their power to a backup generator. He is now calling for it to be enforced and locally codified. 

NEW ORLEANS - In light of the major issues gas stations across the city had due to Hurricane Ida, District "D" Councilmember Jared C. Brossett is calling for LA RS 30:2195.12, a bill he helped pass as a State Representative, to be enforced by the state and locally codified.

The bill requires gas stations to have the ability to switch to a generator that would be able to power all fuel pumps, dispensing equipment, life safety systems, and payment-acceptance equipment. That way, in the event of a hurricane or other cause for a power failure, gas stations could continue to operate when they are needed most. Councilmember Brossett wants the state to fulfill its duty and enforce the law, and he plans to introduce legislation to codify it locally at the next Council meeting. 

“In the immediate recovery period after Hurricane Ida, people were without power, some thinking it could be as long as a month before power was restored,” said Councilmember Brossett. “People with cars needed to have them fueled up so they could check on loved ones, charge their phones, have a moment of air conditioning, and leave the city if necessary. We have a law on the books to prevent the panic we saw at gas stations around the city. We have to start enforcing it, and in order to be truly effective, I believe we have to codify it locally. In the aftermath of a storm, the ability to fuel up should not be another source of stress.” 

LA RS 30:2195.12 was passed in 2009, but after Hurricane Ida, gas stations all over the city were left without power for days. Residents panicked as the blackout continued for days and even weeks. Councilmember Brossett is determined to ensure that this will never happen again.
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Media Contact:
Domonique Dickerson
Chief of Staff
Councilmember Jared C. Brossett, Chair, Budget/ Audit/Board of Review 
Chair, Emergency Preparedness and Cybersecurity
504-295-4589
Dcdickerson@nola.gov