House Bill 4151 would allow drivers to pump their own gas in Oregon

Mollie Herron | News Editor

The 2022 legislation session started in Oregon at the beginning of February, and a new bill is being introduced. House Bill 4151 would allow drivers in Oregon to choose to pump their own gas or have a gas attendant do so.

In the past, self-service has been allowed in instances of extreme weather conditions, labor shortages and COVID-19. There are also counties with smaller populations that allow for self-service to account for the smaller workforce.

In the United States there are only two states where drivers don’t pump their own gas — Oregon and New Jersey — but this new bill could leave New Jersey as the only state left. The reasoning as to why Oregon still has gas attendants is that it spreads responsibility to more than the single cashier in a given gas station. That way, there are more eyes on the property to watch customers so the risk of injury and inhalation of fumes is reduced.

The bill is not requiring all stations to let drivers pump their own gas but instead offers that a portion of the pumps be allowed for self-service, depending on how many are at the station.

Many fear the effect the bill could have on pump attendants and their jobs, but as stated it only requires a portion of the station to be self-service, while the rest of the pumps will still be controlled by employees.

In situations where the gas station only has one pump, that pump will be reserved for the owner, operator or employee of the station. In the bill it is stated that the State Fire Marshal will have the power to declare all pumps as self-service if in a statewide or local emergency. It also increases the maximum fine for self-pump related violations to $1,000 from the previous $500 fine.

The bill is currently backed by members of the Republican and Democratic parties. Due to the short legislative session, if passed, this bill could take effect by the end of the year.

Have an opinion about House Bill 4151? React to our poll on our Instagram Story, @thewesternhowl to share thoughts on this possible change.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu