In a Wednesday, March 3rd, press release, Oregon House Republicans criticized legislation that would outlaw the use of diesel fuel in Oregon. Authored by a Portland Democratic lawmaker, HB3305 would prohibit gas stations from offering diesel fuel in some counties starting in 2024 and statewide by 2028. If adopted, the legislation would cripple Oregon’s economy by effectively banning entire industries for operating altogether.
“I’m not sure where to begin with this bill,” said Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany). “Our entire economy depends on the free flow of freight by both truck and rail, nearly all of which is powered by diesel engines. There is simply no commercially available, cost-effective alternative to transporting these goods. Of course, the impacts of this bill go well beyond just trucking and freight and would destroy any and every industry that relies on heavy equipment, render tens of thousands of personal vehicles inoperable and put countless Oregonians out of work. Not only was this bill blindsiding, I am also disturbed to see such a blatant attack on working Oregonians.”
There is simply no commercially available, cost-effective alternative to transporting these goods. Of course, the impacts of this bill go well beyond just trucking and freight and would destroy any and every industry that relies on heavy equipment, render tens of thousands of personal vehicles inoperable and put countless Oregonians out of work. Not only was this bill blindsiding, I am also disturbed to see such a blatant attack on working Oregonians.”
Under HB3305, retail dealers, nonretail dealers or wholesale dealers of diesel fuel would be prohibited from selling the fuel in accordance with the following schedule:
January 1st, 2024, if the nonretail dealer is located in Clackamas, Washington or Mulnomah County.
January 1st, 2025, if the retail dealer is located in Clackamas, Washington.
January 1st, 2027, if the nonretail dealer is located anywhere in this state.
January 1st, 2028, if the retail dealer is located anywhere in this state.
“There is absolutely no way we can implement this legislation in accordance to these timelines without extreme disruption to Oregonians’ daily lives and the obliteration of our economy as we know it,” said Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). The super majority has put an agenda over people and our economy. If enacted, Oregonians could no longer rely on everyday goods like food, groceries, and medicine being readily available.
Entire industries would disappear, thousands of jobs would be lost and rural and agriculture areas will be disproportianally devastated. This concept should never have been introduced this way, it should never get a hearing without additional vetting, and it should certainly never be brought forward for a vote.
HB3305 was first read in the Oregon House Tuesday, and awaits committee assignment.
