At the Costco fuel station in Albany on Aug. 19: Signs pointed to the two options.
It’s been two months since House Bill 2426 took effect, allowing more self-service at Oregon gas stations. And as far as anyone knows, fuel fires have not erupted and nothing has blown up.
For decades this was a hot-button topic in Oreogn politics. Repeated attempts to end the 1950s ban on self service at the pump got nowhere in the legislature.
Through the years opponents had predicted dreadful consequences if motorists were allowed to operate gas pumps. It was as though the experience of millions of people in other states and around the world didn’t count.
But now? You kind of wonder what the fuss was about.
In 16 counties, mostly on the west side of the Cascades, including Linn and Benton but also Deschutes, station operators now are allowed to let customers fill their own tanks at up to half the stations’ pumps, but an attendant must be on duty. The price must be the same whether the customer or an attendant operates the pump.
In the 20 other counties, mostly east of the Cascades but also including Curry, Clatsop and Tillamook on the coast, retail stations can have unattended service without restrictions.
Until I checked the state fire marshal’s web site just now, I did not know about another 2023 law, HB 3260. It allows the single station in Detroit rebuilt after the 2020 fires to have self-service without restrictions, through 2028. That’s because, the bill said, it was the only station for residents and travelers within 20 miles to the west and 50 miles to the east, and the city had a severe shortage of worker housing because of the fires.
As for me, the change in law on self-service turned out to be a non-event. The station I use most of the time has at least one attendant any time the place is open, and I haven’t noticed whether it has self-service pumps. So I just sit behind the wheel while the tank gets filled, just like in all the years when there was no legal option.
I did recently stop at the Albany Fred Meyer station, at a pump where self-service is expected. But the transaction involved claiming a discount for “fuel points,” which required pushing a bunch of different and unfamiliar buttons. I was glad an attendant was on hand to give advice and make sure the right buttons got pushed.
As for the chore of buying motor fuel in Oregon now, it is no longer a subject for political debate. Now all we have to complain about is how the price has soared since 2021. (hh)
Aww geez, for more than 29+ years on the PD I had to refuel my car before end of shift. So what’s the big deal or where’s the beef then?? The moaners are probably the same ones who don’t change their oil or add air to their tires, Poor “woke” beings should ride a bike!
There it is. The GQP’s fabrication and failed definition of a word.
No one know’s what it means. But in the rightwing’s mind, IT IS BAD.
To be demonized. Still zero definition.
LOL. Fools abound, GQP fools!
I had the same experience at Freddies. Did not see the fill-up button so I did not know how many gallons I wanted–was pondering that and attendant came to help.
Once again having a choice at the pump and with other things in life is the best option.
WELL, I GUESS I AM ONE OF THE “MOANERS” SINCE I HAVE BEEN AGAINST SELF-SERVICE GAS EVERY TIME IT HAS COME UP. HOWEVER, I DID MAKE MY LIVING AS A MECHANIC AND TEACHING MECHANICS. AND I DEFINITELY AM WOKE SINCE BY DEFINITION IT MEANS AWAKE AFTER WAKING UP. ANYWAY, MY RECOLLECTION IS THAT IT HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THE VOTERS A NUMBER OF TIMES, AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN REJECTED. SO MUCH FOR THE FOR THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE AND THE DON’T TREAD ON ME CROWD NOW THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE THE CHANGE. EVERY TIME IT WAS ON THE BALLOT A FLOOD OF MONEY CAME INTO THE STATE FROM BIG OIL TO PROMOTE SELF-SERVICE. THE ONLY REASON THEY WOULD DO THAT IS SO CORPORATE-RUN STATIONS COULD BECOME FEASIBLE AND PROFITABLE. WITHOUT ALL THOSE PESKY EMPLOYEES AND JUST ONE GUY IN A BOOTH, ONE MANAGER CAN SUPERVISE MULTIPLE STATIONS. FULL SELF-SERVICE STATEWIDE, WHEN IT COMES, WILL PUT THE INDEPENDENT STATION OWNERS OUT OF BUSINESS.
A ballot measure allowing self-service at gas stations was up just once, in 1982, when it was defeated. (I went to Wikipedia to refresh my memory.)
The main reason voters opposed self-service was a fear that it would become the only way to refuel, not that fires or explosions would result. The current measure is a good compromise.
I am glad they are still offering full service and always choose that option. I truly enjoy having someone else take care of pumping gas, especially in crappy weather, dont know why anyone wouldnt :) Also for older folks and/or disabled its a big help :)
I still like to have my gas pumped. As a bonus I’ll give a dollar or 2 to the attendant for their services. Where I gas up every week. I’m glad to see those folks have a job.