OREGON COULD SEE SELF-SERVICE GAS PUMPS

Pumping your own gasoline is commonplace in all but two U.S. states: Oregon and New Jersey.

And ever since 1951, when the Oregon Legislature passed a bill prohibiting vehicle operators from using self-service pumps, there has been a growing debate about whether Oregonians should be allowed to pump their own gas. The chance that ban could soon be dropped is looking strong, however.

Initially state lawmakers restricted self-service at gas stations because of the potential safety hazards of untrained persons pumping gas, the environmental concern over gasoline spills, and the difficulty for some persons, such as senior citizens, to pump gas. Now, as technology has reduced the number of fuel spills and the ease of using gas pumps, a large number of Oregon legislators appear ready to lift restrictions. House Bill 2426 was recently approved in Salem by a vote of 47 to 10, and now sits in the Senate for consideration.

If adopted, the law could impact many people’s daily lives.

If this bill becomes the law, Oregon gas stations could designate up to half of their pumps as self-service, while in the 16 most populous counties they must continue to have at least one gas attendant on duty per gas station to serve customers who want, or need, full service.

Stations would be required to charge customers the same price for either option.

As of late April, bill has not yet been addressed in the Senate. The Oregon Senate staff analysis states this bill will have little to no economic impact on Oregon businesses and citizens. It also predicts no impact on the state budget.

As for allowing self-service, some legislators and activists remain concerned about the number of fuel attendant jobs that may disappear because of this bill. Meantime, station owners complain they can’t find enough employees to fill those positions.

Some motorists believe that having a fuel attendant pump gas for them is a lifesaver, and they appreciate not getting out of the car on a cold and windy day to pump gas. On the opposite side are motorists who believe being able to pump their own gas means not having to wait for a pump attendant and saving time by just doing it themselves.

Overall, opinions can vary widely on this issue (recent public opinion polls in Oregon seem to show support for the change). That’s why the Advocate encourages readers to participate in our short, three-four question survey: We want to hear what you have to say about the idea of pumping your own gas.

Andrew Hull

Editor-in-Chief