Upstate lawmaker pushing bill to allow hands-free gas pumps in New York like rest of United States
New Yorkers might finally be able to go hands free at the gas pump if one upstate lawmaker gets his way.
State Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Onedia) has introduced a bill to greenlight the use of clips to hold open gas pump nozzles through out the Empire State — devices already legal in the country's 49 other states.
Griffo said he sponsored the legislation after investigating the matter following complaints from constituents.
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3 State Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Onedia) is sponsoring a bill that would allow the use of hold-open clips on gas nozzles throughout New York – devices already legal in the country's 49 other states.
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'This bill would bring New York State in line with the rest of the country, [and] protect the elderly and other New Yorkers by limiting their exposure to harsh and potentially dangerous weather conditions when pumping gas, and [it would] rein in government overreach,' Griffo said in a statement to The Post Saturday.
The bill, introduced April 15, will be 'supported by many, especially given advances in pump technology and station safety features.'
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New York's fire code has not allowed gas clips since the early 1980s, when self-service pumps were first approved.
3 New York State Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Onedia)
NY Senate
There were concerns then that the devices could fail and allow gas to overflow out of a vehicle, but the worries have been unwarranted based on use in other states.
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3 Griffo said he sponsored the legislation after receiving many complaints from constituents who want to use gas clips.
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Griffo has compared the gas clip-rules to government overreach limiting the number of gallons per minute that flow through showerheads and other appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and toilets.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order last month calling for an immediate end of water pressure regulations implemented by former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, touting the action will make 'America's Showers Great Again' — and keep his signature blond hair 'beautiful.'
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