Apparently, Oregon has been way behind the rest of the country when it comes to its citizens' rightsβspecifically, the right to pump gas. But that doesn't seem like a privilege Oregonians are interested in. The state's governorΒ Kate Brown signed a law last June that lets non-professionals pump gas, Hood River NewsΒ reports. It took effect on January 1, much to the state's residents' chagrin.Β
Medford, Oregon CBS affiliate KTVLΒ asked its Facebook followers, "Do you think Oregon should allow self-serve gas stations statewide?"βand people had feelings.Β
"No! Disabled, seniors, people with young children in the car need help," one commenter complained. "Not to mention getting out of your car with transients around and not feeling safe, too. This is a very bad idea. Grrr."
"Not a good idea," another agreed. "There are lots of reasons to have an attendant helping. One is they need a job, too. Many people are not capable of knowing how to pump gas and the hazards of not doing it correctly. Besides, I don't want to go to work smelling of gas."
The internet is dragging Oregonians for freaking out so much over being allowed to pump gas.Β
New Jersey is now the only state where people can't legally pump their own gas. Based on the reactions to Oregon's reform, the state may want to keep it that way.
