Question for NJ residents

[welovedisneyx4]

I am just wondering why it is illeagal to pump your own gas in NJ. Could someone please enlighten me?

TIA!

 

[swanmom]

I live here and I'd like the answer. Strong gas station owners lobby is my guess

 

[CEDmom]

I believe it's because of state environmental laws.

 

[Tony-NJ]

sure but I have no complaints really.

 

[Jolie C]

Whatever the reason, I love this law!

 

[Hillbeans]

I'm sure there is some legal reason, however I know us and Oregon are the only ones...

Sometimes it's great to have an attendant pump your gas (if it's raining, you're wearing your nice clothes, etc.,) and other days it takes 3 times as long waiting for someone to pump your gas.

I never really knew the answer though...

 

[bjgrazi]

Hey now don't be opening up this can of worms......... it's a great law!!!!!!

 

[welovedisneyx4]

But don't you have to pay more for it? Here, it is more if you get full-service. And what does it have to do w/ the environment? I just am trying to understand why there would be a law like this.

 

[Tony-NJ]

if we pay more as NJ has low gas prices from what I can see.

 

[Jolie C]

I don't think we pay more for it. Tony-NJ is right - our gas prices are often a little lower than a lot of other places.

 

[Big Dude]

Lobbying, Lobbying, Lobbying

The New Jersey Gasoline Retailers Association and Allied Trades, Inc. (GRA)

This is the largest association in terms of membership, representing approximately 1,300 service stations, garages, and other retail establishments selling services or merchandise related to the automobile. Formed nearly 60 years ago in 1938, GRA is a very strong lobbying force in Trenton, having successfully kept self-service gasoline out of New Jersey, which is one out of only two states in the country with that distinction.

Headquartered in Springfield, New Jersey, it is managed by a full-time staff of five, including the Association Executive, as well as six part-time field representatives who make regular visitations with the membership as a means of providing direct communication. Their efforts are fortified with a monthly newsletter published by the state organization, as well as a network of active local (county) groups that meet, usually monthly.

406 of the member firms participate in the Group Insurance Program providing coverage for over 1,220 employee lives.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[Big Dude]

Why is NJ gas cheaper than most states? We have the refineries very close to us.

New Jersey is home to one of the four Northeast Heating Oil Reserve sites established by Congress in 2000 to help cushion the risks presented by home heating oil shortages. The reserve capacity of the Woodbridge site totals one million barrels. New Jersey is one of five states that require reformulated gasoline statewide, in addition to one of two states in the nation that bans self-serve gasoline sales. The state is traversed by a major product pipeline and has six petroleum refineries. Several refineries are clustered on the Delaware River east of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while the other refineries are located in the northern part of the state just south of New York City. About 67 percent of the homes in New Jersey are heated by natural gas, with fuel oil accounting for the next largest share at 19 percent.

Adam aka Big Dude

 

[katerkat]

Also, my Mom told me the NJ gas stations pay lower insurance because they don't have to worry as much about the dumb people exploding the station by pumping their own gas. Don't know if it's true, but my Mom is usually right.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I actually live in PA, but cross into NJ a lot. it is cheaper for me to do the self serve in PA.

 

[jrydberg]

NJ gas prices tend to be on the lower end. That said, having a station attendant certainly does add to cost. But they make that up in other areas. Ever seen those refineries and holding tanks off the turnpike near Elizabeth?

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by jrydberg
NJ gas prices tend to be on the lower end. That said, having a station attendant certainly does add to cost. But they make that up in other areas. Ever seen those refineries and holding tanks off the turnpike near Elizabeth?

I think I've seen what you are talking about!

I buy generic gas at the grocery store. I don't know if that makes a difference or not?

 

[ducklite]

Keep pumping for me!!!

Anne

 

[Jolie C]

Originally posted by jrydberg
NJ gas prices tend to be on the lower end. That said, having a station attendant certainly does add to cost. But they make that up in other areas. Ever seen those refineries and holding tanks off the turnpike near Elizabeth?

Seen them and smelled them...

 

[welovedisneyx4]

Thanks for the info guys! I had heard of this before, but didn't understand it. I guess it's is all what you are used to. My mom would love it. The woman is 61 years old and has never pumped gas in her life! (She has been driving for at least 40 years)

 

[jrydberg]

I love around Christmas time when they string lights on the refineries... very festive