Oregon Lawmakers Pass Self-Service Gasoline Bill After Decades-Long Ban

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Oregon lawmakers on Wednesday voted to let Oregonians and travelers pump their own gas after a decades-long ban since 1951.

House Bill 2426 would require gas stations to staff at least half of their open pumps for people who want assistance and allow other pumps to be open for self-service.

Under the bill,  stations in 16 of Oregon’s most heavily populated counties would need at least one attendant present to pump gas for customers who don’t want self-service.

The state already allows motorcyclists and drivers in rural areas to pump their own gas since 2018.

Gas prices would remain the same throughout the state, regardless of who pumps the gas.

A customer pumps gasoline into a sport utility vehicle (SUV) at a Shell gas station in the Chinatown neighborhood of Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 17, 2022. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

“This bill strikes a balance between consumer preferences, business needs, and employment considerations,” the bill’s chief sponsor, Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), said in a statement. “It provides Oregonian’s choice at the pump while protecting access for the elderly and disabled community members.”

The bill heads to Gov. Tina Kotek, who is expected to sign it.

The Epoch Times reached out to the governor’s office for comment but did not get a response before the publication of this article.

Only Oregon and New Jersey ban self-service gas in the United States, but the state has made exceptions, such as during wildfires, severe heat waves, and COVID-19.

Sen. Lew Frederick (D) said a gas station near his home already began “making people pump their own gas” when HB 2426 was proposed this session.

But, it is also a concern that the measure would result in job losses at local gas stations.

“Folks have to take the time to call the fire marshal to complain that a station is not complying with the law, and then the fire marshal has to take the time actually to investigate,” Frederick said. “That sort of approach doesn’t help the person who’s being affected at the moment.”

Oregon’s state law still lists a range of hazards that a motorist might be exposed to by the practice, including crime, slippery pavement, hazardous fumes, and flammable liquid while pumping their own gas.

Fuel companies have long pushed for the change, saying it’s getting harder to staff fuel pumps.

State Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp (R) said he’s long been allowed to pump his own fuel because he belongs to a commercial fueling cooperative.

“I have yet to light myself on fire. I have yet to cause any problems related to self-serve gas,” Knopp said. “I know that Oregonians are ready.”

The new bill will take effect immediately if signed by Governor Tina Kotek.

Governor Kotek will also receive Senate Bill 337 to sign after lawmakers passed the bill and approved over $90 million to help overhaul Oregon’s failing public defense system.

The new measure would rename and move the public defense commission to the executive branch, change the current pay structure, and require a set percentage of attorneys to be state employees by 2031.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Liber (D), celebrated the bill’s passage after the Oregon House passed the public defense bill in a 34-16 vote.

“Senate Democrats promised to address the public defense crisis this session and protect fair access to justice,” Liber said in a statement.