An Oregon House Democrat has introduced a bill that would outlaw the sale of “petroleum” diesel fuel in some counties in just a few years - and statewide by 2028.
Democrats introduced the bill last week and Oregon’s House Republicans quickly reacted, calling the bill “a declaration of war against the working class.”
In a press release Oregon Republicans says, “If adopted the legislation would cripple Oregon’s economy by effectively banning entire industries from operating altogether.”
“The super majority has put agenda over people and our economy." Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson
— OR House Republicans (@OregonHouseGOP) March 3, 2021
"Not only was this bill blindsiding, I am also disturbed to see such a blatant attack on working Oregonians." Rep. Shelly Bohart Davis#HB3305 #orpol #orleg pic.twitter.com/nvXBuYkFNf
The language of the bill, “Prohibits retail dealer, nonretail dealer or wholesale dealer from selling petroleum diesel for use in motor vehicle on or after specified dates. Requires public improvement contract to require that motor vehicles be powered by fuel other than petroleum diesel. Prohibits public body from using petroleum diesel in motor vehicle under control of public body.”
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The measure seeks to require petroleum diesel fuel to be replaced with biodiesel or a petrodiesel-biodiesel blend of at least 99-percent biodiesel. Not only are these biodiesel blends more expensive, many diesel vehicles are not built to burn the fuel and would have to be retrofitted.
"Our entire economy depends on the free flow of freight by both truck and rail, nearly all of which is powered by Diesel engines," state Rep. Shelly Boshart (R-Albany) says in the release. " There is simply no commercially available cost-effective alternative to transporting these goods."