Two unique aspects of being an Oregonian are not having to pump our own gas or diesel at the station and not paying sales tax. One of those unique aspects is being challenged as a bill has passed the House Monday approving self-service at the gas pump in all counties at all times of the day or night.
An Oregon Live article written by Julia Shumway on March 20, explains only Oregon and New Jersey currently don’t allow self-pumping at the gas station, although Oregon has relaxed this law over the last few years to allow rural areas to pump their own gas.
The bill that was passed doesn’t entirely change pumping to self-service, as it allows customers to make a choice to either use the self-service pumps or have an attendant pump their fuel for them. The article explains that in 16 of Oregon’s more populated counties, one attendant would need to be present for customers who don’t want to pump their own gas. In the other 20 more rural counties (Oregon has 36 counties), an attendant isn’t required to be on-site and customers can self-serve at any time.
The change to self-pumping at the fuel stations had overwhelming support in the House with a 47-10 vote as it heads to the Senate for further approval. Detractors point out how self-service at fuel stations can create safety concerns for customers at night and in bad neighborhoods, make it hard for elderly or disabled customers, and reduce the number of jobs available to Oregonians. The possibility of smelling like gas after self-pumping might also be an issue for some people.
Additionally, the article explains that gas stations would have to charge the same for self-service and full-service, so customers won’t see a monetary benefit at the pump if this bill passes.
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