CONTACT: Will Woods (949) 660-0907

Independent Service Station Dealers met with Democratic Assembly staff leaders last week to share their concerns over AB 531, a bill authored by Nell Soto, D-61^st, that proposes to mandate that all service stations provide free air and water services to all Californians, not just customers of the stations.

Most service stations offer this service now free, or in many instances charge a nominal fee of 25 cents. If this bill is signed into law, stations will be forced to increase their prices for gasoline and other goods and services offered to customers. Maintenance costs will increase as well due to increased usage and vandalism.

When asked what study was conducted by staff to identify the true costs to consumers, the staff reply was "None, but that doesn’t matter, this is a political issue!" Industry reps noted that, not only would the public pay more for gasoline and services, the state would now spend millions of taxpayer dollars in enforcement (air and water police!), as required by the bill.

Will Woods, AuTO-CA’s Executive Director, urges that "all consumers should contact their Assemblymember to VOTE "NO" ON AB 531 today! The consumer pays little or nothing for air and water at service stations. Passage of this bill will cost consumers millions in increased gasoline costs and state enforcement.

Should you have questions regarding this correspondence or other materials you receive related to the oil industry, please don't hesitate to contact Will L. Woods, CAE, Executive Director, at the AuTO-CA office, 949.660.0907.