Oregon Lefties Flip Out After Law is Stricken That Bans Self-Service Gas Stations

A law passed through Oregon’s legislature in May and signed into law in June will allow counties with 40,000 residents or fewer to pump their own gas. Oregonians are not pleased about the change, reports Chris White.

The law, which will take effect Jan. 1, has created a minor firestorm in rural parts of Oregon, where full-service gas stations have been the norm since 1951, writes White. A local CBS affiliate in Medford, Ore., asked its viewers on Facebook about the new law – the responses have ranged from anger to confusion.

“I don’t even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian…..I say NO THANKS! I don’t want to smell like gasoline!” one woman wrote in a comment on a survey the new station posted Dec. 29. The poll elicited more than a thousand responses.

Of course, the law doesn't force gas stations to switch to self-serve. No doubt there will be some full-service gas stations with attendants who will pump gas at a higher price for those who don't want to risk dripping gasoline on their faux moccasins. 

One solution to increase the number of full-service gas stations would be to lower the state minimum wage from its very high level over the federal minimum wage. Beginning July 1, 2018, the Oregon base minimum wage will be $10.75, $3.50 per hour more than the federal minimum wage. It currently is $3.00 per hour over the federal minimum wage. Full-service gas stations would be able to compete much more effectively is they didn't face the high Oregon minimum wage barrier--and even more effectively if there was no Oregon or federal minimum wage.

-RW