Governor Kotek has signed HB 2426 into law, allowing Oregonians to choose between self-service and service from an attendant at gas stations statewide.

Polling has consistently shown that over two-thirds of Oregonians support choice at the pump. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Oregon State Fire Marshall temporarily lifted the self-service ban statewide during public health emergencies.

In 2015, legislators changed the law for fuel retailers and drivers by voting to allow self-serve gas during nighttime hours in rural and coastal counties. In 2017, legislators expanded this to all hours in rural counties. In 2020, 2021and 2022, Oregon's fire marshal lifted the ban on self-service multiple times statewide due to emergencies such as wildfires or heat waves. HB 2426 will simplify this patchwork of rules for all Oregonians. Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) is a Co-Chief Sponsor of this legislation and has led the fight to create this change in Oregon law for the past few years.

"I am thrilled to see this legislation signed into law. Not only do Oregonians want the freedom to choose whether they can pump their own gas, but this also provides critical relief to small businesses struggling with the ongoing labor shortage," said Representative Boshart Davis. "This legislation provides a common-sense solution by protecting gas attendants' jobs and Oregonians' access to fuel. I want to thank House Majority Leader Fahey (D- West Eugene & Veneta), Senator Bonham (R- The Dalles), and Senator Sollman (D-Hillsboro) for their bi-partisan commitment to this effort."

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

For some, the state prohibition on self-serve gas helped to provide jobs. But Mike Freese with the Oregon Fuels Association provided testimony in committee during the last legislative session to the contrary, saying "finding employees to pump gas is extremely hard -- and even impossible in some cases -- which in turn makes it impossible to keep gas stations open and operating. HB 2426 helps relieve pressure in this tight labor market

Not everyone like the change. Scott Bartlett from Eugene, a former Legislative Assistant offered testimony, saying "This Committee should hear from Senior advocates, older women's advocates, disability specialists, paralyzed veterans' spokespersons and metro area residents who will be adversely impacted by this narrow and inadequately conceived Special Interest tailored proposal. Having hundreds of thousands of Oregonians often forced to pump their own gas while congested lines of cars seeking preferred assisted service vastly outnumber self-service customers is poor public policy."

Advocates for the bill have created a website with more information on self-serve gas in Oregon.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-05 11:35:21

Last Update: 2023-08-05 12:05:51