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Texas increases protection at the pump
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples strengthened consumer protection in Texas recently by launching a new statewide fuel-quality program targeting contaminated fuel. Until now, there has not been a state agency in Texas with the authority to protect drivers from receiving tainted fuel. "When Texas drivers top off their tanks, they need to know that the fuel they pay for is of the highest quality," Staples said. "The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to consumer protection, and this new authority now allows our inspectors to not only make sure drivers receive the amount of gas they purchase, but also the quality of gas their vehicles require." Under Staples, the Texas Department of Agriculture requested and was granted the authority to regulate fuel quality and increase penalties for repeat violators. House Bill 2925, authored by Rep. Abel Herrero and sponsored by Sen. John Whitmire, gives TDA the responsibility to test fuel for water and other contaminants and to determine whether it meets nationally recognized standards. "I am pleased to have worked with Commissioner Staples and Representative Herrero to give the Texas Department of Agriculture the enforcement tools they need to ensure the quality of fuel sold in Texas," Sen. Whitmire said. "Texas consumers will now have greater protections against the sale of contaminated or harmful gasoline." "In efforts to maintain consumer confidence at the pump, we worked closely with all stakeholders to implement and enhance protections through fuel-quality testing," Rep. Herrero said. "With already strained finances for many hardworking families, we needed to assure them they were getting the best quality for their money." Under the new initiative, fuel quality inspections will be conducted based upon a three-pronged approach: complaint initiated; risk-based analysis; and routine monitoring. "This model will ensure the most efficient use of resources and best results for consumers," Staples said. "The good news is, the fuel industry already conducts its own quality testing, so by working as partners we will be able to better focus our efforts on higher risk areas." "The Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association supports the Texas Department of Agriculture's goal of ensuring petroleum products meet certain standards for quality," Chris Newton, TPCA president, said. "While instances of inferior fuel quality are few, it is imperative that consumers have confidence in the high quality of fuels for sale in the state of Texas. TDA's fuel-quality testing program is a key component of maintaining this confidence. Our members look forward to working with the department on this important issue." In addition to granting TDA authority to regulate fuel quality, HB 2925 also gives the agency the authority to assess penalties (up to $5,000 per fuel-quality violation) and issue stop sales (stop the sale of fuel that is contaminated or does not meet national quality standards).
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