An Act to raise awareness of carbon dioxide emissions at gas stations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Lindsay Sabadosa

Gas stations must display a clearly visible warning at each pump that burning gasoline emits 19 pounds of CO2 per gallon.

Senate concurred

HD 3843 — An Act to raise awareness of carbon dioxide emissions at gas stations

Status and basic facts
- Bill number: HD 3843
- Title: An Act to raise awareness of carbon dioxide emissions at gas stations
- Status: Senate concurred
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Primary sponsor: Rep. Lindsay N. Sabadosa (1st Hampshire)
- Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Feb. 27, 2025); Senate concurred on the same date

Overview and purpose

HD 3843 seeks to increase public awareness of carbon dioxide emissions from motor fuel by mandating warning signage at gasoline pumps. The bill amends Chapter 94, section 295C, to require visible warning signs on each pump or dispensing device indicating the CO2 emissions associated with burning gasoline. It also reinforces signage visibility by prohibiting obstructions to posted price signs or the warning signs themselves.

Key provisions

New signage requirement: Retail dealers of motor fuel must publicly display and maintain on each pump or dispensing device at least one warning sign that reads: “Warning! Every gallon of gasoline that is combusted dumps 19 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which causes global heating.”

The sign must be clearly visible.

Signage visibility and non-obstruction: The bill modifies the second paragraph of Section 295C to prohibit any sign, advertising material, or other display placed on, above, or around a pump from directly or indirectly obscuring the posted price sign or the warning sign required by the preceding paragraphs.

Scope: Applies to retailers/dealers of motor fuel at gas stations within the Commonwealth.

Affected parties and impact

Primary affected parties: Gas stations and other motor fuel retailers in Massachusetts (including pump operators and signage contractors).

Potential impacts:

Compliance costs associated with producing and installing the warning signs.
Ongoing maintenance to ensure signs remain visible and unobstructed.
A potential shift in consumer awareness regarding emissions associated with gasoline use.

Beneficiaries: General public and consumers who want heightened awareness of environmental impacts of fuel consumption.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, and moved through the committee process (referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure).

The Senate has concurred with the House version, indicating advancement toward final consideration and potential enactment, subject to any further legislative steps or gubernatorial action.

Summary

HD 3843 would require every motor fuel pump to display a clearly visible warning about carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline (stating 19 pounds CO2 per gallon) and would prohibit signage from obscuring this warning or the posted price sign. The measure aims to raise awareness among consumers about the climate impact of gasoline and to standardize emission-related messaging at gas stations across Massachusetts.