By Debbie Blossom
Business Writer

Consumers wondering whether their favorite gasoline station operates in accordance with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission can now check out that station's track record online.

A list of state gas stations with compliance violations can be found on the Corporation Commission Web site — www.occ.state.ok.us/ [2] — under Commissioner Jim Roth's name.

Roth, who was appointed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission by Gov. Brad Henry last June and is running for re-election this November, announced the listing Monday afternoon at a City Stop in Piedmont.

"For the most, part our state gas stations do a great job of staying in compliance with Corporation Commission rules,” Roth said. "But when they do have violations, it is our job to inform the public.”

Energy issues, and energy prices, are on everyone's mind, he said. I

nformed decisions

"Energy is now more front and center for Oklahoma families, and with these prices, it's critical that people make informed decisions about fuel purchases.”

More than 5,000 stations have been cited since July of 2007 for various violations and the commission has locked down more than 300 violators during that same time period. The list is for violations from July of last year through June 30.

Roth said public access to information is his priority, and he initiated the idea to list violators.

He has also been working on revamping the Web site since last June to make it easier for consumers to follow the commission's role in protecting Oklahomans.  

Oversight key

The Corporation Commission's fuel inspectors, "are the best thing that's ever happened to our industry,” said Vance McSpadden, executive director of the Oklahoma Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. "There are some states that don't have that oversight.”

A list of violators easily accessible for public viewing is just an extension of the commission's fair but firm stance on protecting consumers.

"It's very good for us,” McSpadden said.

Roth said he is also hoping to make the list more up-to-date in the future with immediate listings of violators. "Used to be this report came and just sat on a dusty shelf,” he said. "Now it's available and online.”