Oregon joins all states but New Jersey in allowing some self-service fueling at convenience stores and gas stations throughout the state, as Gov. Tina Kotek has chosen not to veto a state measure, thereby allowing it to become law, reported Oregon Public Radio.
Gas stations in Oregon still can’t be entirely self-service because the law requires at least half of their pumps to be full service.
Kotek had to provide notice five days prior to the Aug. 4 deadline if she intended to veto the bill, and she didn’t do this by Friday, said the news outlet.
Some Oregon residents are concerned about the loss of jobs self-service fueling might cause, reported KGW. This consideration, along with concerns about safety involved with self-service fueling, were factors in the state holding out from allowing self-service except in certain areas for 70 years, the report said.
The law, based on House Bill 2426, requires fuel prices to be the same at self-service pumps as at full-service pumps. The House passed the bill March 20, while the Senate passed it June 21.
Oregon began loosening restrictions on its decades-long self-service fueling ban in 2016, starting first in rural areas. Several earlier efforts to allow self-service fueling statewide failed, but this time has become law.
New Jersey is the only other state to prevent self-service fueling at convenience stores and gas stations.
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