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BOISE, Idaho — With the new year came a new law in Oregon, allowing residents of “rural” counties (those with 40,000 residents or fewer) to pump their own gas — and some Oregonians aren’t having it.
Idahoans who have traveled to the neighboring state may remember that Oregon was previously one of just two states that forbid people from pumping gas, instead employing attendants who do the job for you.
A news station out of Medford, KTVL, asked its Facebook followers how they felt about the change, and they didn’t hold back.
“Not a good idea, there are lots of reason to have an attendant helping, one is they need a job too,” wrote one commenter. “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 when I get it on my hands or clothes. I agree Very bad idea.”
Oregon's @KTVL posted a story on Facebook about Oregonians pumping their own gas. The resulting panic from the natives in the comments was glorious: https://t.co/V3DP05Vzyspic.twitter.com/bIoOBq6Hi0
— Mitchell Byars (@mitchellbyars) January 2, 2018
One woman said she felt unsafe leaving her vehicle at the gas station “with transients around.”
“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!” said another.