Oregon last week lifted its 72-year-old ban on self-service gas stations, allowing stations to operate half of their pumps as self-serve. Oregon’s law, which was signed Friday by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, was passed over the objections of a union representing 800 workers at stations. Oregon’s move makes New Jersey the last state where drivers can’t touch the gas pump.
“Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity,” New Jersey’s law states. But gas station owners began to change their position on self-service in the 1970s and 1980s as they lost their hold on the auto service and repair market.