Oklahoma Congressmen Propose Bill To Aid Gas Can Makers

Two Oklahoma congressmen have introduced a measure meant to protect gasoline can manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits that can drive them out of business.

Congressmen Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin introduced the legislation Wednesday.

The Republican congressmen say the bill fills a gap in safety standards for the manufacture of gas cans.

Mullin say the gap hasn't made gas cans more dangerous but has allowed people who have emptied gas cans onto open flames to sue the manufacturers for damages.  He said a Miami, Oklahoma business had to face 41 separate cases alleging a "design defect" with portable fuel containers.

"This legislation will provide some much needed legal certainty to manufacturers of portable gas containers. Due to unnecessary and frivolous lawsuits, Blitz USA, at one time a major employer in Miami, Oklahoma, was forced to close its doors. It is my hope that other companies can avoid the same fate through this sensible piece of legislation. At this time of economic uncertainty, we need to work with business owners to retain jobs in rural Oklahoma. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation with Representative Tom Cole and look forward to working to achieve its passage," said Congessman Markwayne Mullin.

The congressmen say Blitz USA was buried in bankruptcy in 2012. The company closed down on July 31, 2012 putting over 100 employees out of work.

6/12/2012 Related Story: Lawsuits Drive Miami, Oklahoma Gas Can Maker Out Of Business

Mullin and Cole say House Bill 1456 would mandate safety standards so gasoline can makers can get liability insurance to defend themselves against possible legal action.

Read about House Bill 1456.