Just in case, N.J. considers compiling database of gas stations, supplies

Many New Jersey residents had a tough time finding a place to gas up their cars after Superstorm Sandy. State lawmakers are working to try to make it easier for the next big storm.

Legislation sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald would create a database with the names and locations of every gas station in New Jersey.

Those stations would be required to provide monthly updates on the types of fuel they sell and whether they have a backup generator, said Greenwald, D-Camden.

“This is really a common sense solution in the aftermath of the storm, trying to work with people on the ground like our business owners who own the fuel stations as well as emergency personnel to try to figure out a way to address some of the crises that we were hearing at the time,” he said.

Greenwald says the data could be updated more frequently during declared emergencies so drivers know where gas is available.

The state Division of Consumer Affairs would create and maintain the database that could be made available on several websites.