March 4, 2021 3:20 a.m.

Oregon House Republicans have criticized legislation that would outlaw the use of diesel fuel in Oregon.

A release from the Oregon House Republican Caucus said that HB3305, authored by Portland Lawmaker Karin Power, would prohibit gas stations from offering diesel fuel in some counties starting in 2024, and statewide by 2028. The release said if adopted, “…the legislation would cripple Oregon’s economy by effectively banning entire industries from operating altogether”.

Representative Shelly Boshart Davis of Albany said, “Our entire economy depends on the free flow of freight by both truck and rail, nearly all of which is powered by diesel engines”. She said there is simply no commercially available, cost-effective alternatives to transporting these goods. Davis said the proposal would destroy “…any and every industry that relies on heavy equipment, renders tens-of-thousands of personal vehicles inoperable and put countless Oregonians out of work”.

Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson from Prineville, said “The super majority has put agenda over people and our economy”. She said if enacted, Oregonians could no longer rely on everyday goods like food, groceries, and medicine being readily available.

The legislation was first read in the Oregon House Tuesday and awaits committee assignment. Go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB3305 get more information about the proposal.