This is why this is a “service station.” Windshield service was provided Tuesday night, as always, at Courtesy Corner in Albany.
The bill to end Oregon’s 70-year-old ban on motorists pumping their own gas was hanging in the balance Tuesday, with Gov. Tina Kotek apparently weighing whether to sign or veto the change.
The governor had not signed the bill when the legislature adjourned. This gave her 30 days after adjournment to sign bills, veto them or let them take effect without her signature.
On Tuesday I asked the governor’s office about the status of HB 2426, the bill that authorizes gas station operators to allow motorists to operate the pumps as long as an attendant is also on hand.
Press Secretary Anca Matica responded right away:
“The Governor has not indicated her support or opposition for the bill, and is most interested in what Oregonians think,” Matica said by email. “Currently, our constituent services team has received 2,950 in support and 2,600 in opposition. It is my understanding that she has until August 4th to sign bills.”
To be clear, the bills does not require people to pump their own gas. Instead it offers station owners the option of allowing it.
To prevent any wrong impression about the bill, here once again is the summary provided to legislators by their staff:
Authorizes filling station, service station, garage or other dispensary (filling station) to allow self-service dispensing of Class 1 flammable liquids during hours where owner, operator, or employee of filling station is available for dispensing Class 1 flammable liquids. Prohibits filling station from designating more self-service fuel-dispensing devices (gas pumps) than are designated for attended service. Requires that notification signs beposted stating which gas pumps are designated for self-service and which are designated for attended service. Requires at least one person to be able to provide attended service and for price charged to be identical. Stipulates that motorcycle operator may dispense Class 1 flammable liquids into motorcycle regardless of whether the filling station offers self-service fuel dispensing. Authorizes State Fire Marshal to impose civil penalties for violations of provisions of measure. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Now the question is whether Governor Kotek will allow the bill to take effect. (hh)
I do not want to pump my own gas nor do I want some fool who doesn’t have the brain of a gnat smoking while pumping. I have seen too many video’s of people doing just that. When you allow people to pump their own gas you just made someone else lose their job. Jobs are more important now than ever before, now that we have illegal’s pouring over the border wanting jobs that should go to Americans.
I’d love this option! It’s easy to voice your opinion to Governor Kotek. Go to https://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/index.aspx and fill out the contact us form. Let your voice be heard.
Sign the bill
Gosh, I can’t wait to prove how manly I am by pretending to enjoy pumping my own gas in the rain. Let my freedom ring. Don’t Tread on Me!
I understand reading comprehension can be difficult for some people so I’ll use small words so you might be able to understand the potential law.
No more than half of the pumps at the station can be self serve.
No need for you to pretend to be manly in the rain unless you want to do so.
Signing this bill is a no brainer Governor. Pen it into law and get to more pressing issues facing our state. Geez
Courtesy Corner my favorite place to fill up. I travel out of state a lot so have no problem pumping my own gas as I usually also need a rest stop and to wash my window anyway. I will advise, when filling up, do not leave the pump unattended while you wash your window or whatever. I once had a pump NOT shut off automatically and gas spilled down the side of my vehicle. Lesson learned.
That’s unfortunate. However, most gas station attendants leave your car to serve other customers while your tank is being filled. It is equally likely to happen with full-service as self-service.
Sign it Governor. Make it happen, please!
I won’t presume to speak for others, but this Oregonian is tired of waiting for an attendant to serve me when I’m filling up. Every time I drive in another state, I feel the freedom of pumping my own gas.
48 other states think Self-service gas is a good idea. Let’s move into the 21st century Oregon.
Towne Pump is my favorite station.
As a former CA resident, 51 years ago, I like their friendly service and I hated pumping my own gas.
So, we will put some folks out of a job. I don’t mind the option but hey I enjoy the small the small pleasures in life.
My 83 yr old Mother has to have someone go to the gas station for her in Michigan to gas up because she had trouble trying to fill up and the attendant in the booth that takes you money only, could not help.
Just something to consider.
I remember when living in Idaho, self-serve gas stations became available. We were told that pumps for full service would still be available. They were…only problem was I never saw an attendant to provide the service. Personally, I love full service…whenever we travel, it takes longer to get out and figure out how the computer on the pump operates…they seem to all be a little different on directions. I can go to Costco and get my car filled in less time.
As of Friday, the governor indicated she would not veto the bill.