Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Monday after a leak forced the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies more than 90% of the state’s transportation fuel.
KDRV reports the pipeline delivers fuel to terminals in Portland, where it is distributed throughout Oregon, including Southern Oregon gas stations and airports.
State officials say the state is not currently experiencing a fuel shortage, but the emergency order allows agencies to coordinate alternative delivery methods, including barges and trucks, to maintain an adequate supply while the pipeline is offline.
State officials warn that Oregonians may see higher gas prices in the coming days, since moving fuel by truck or barge costs more than transporting it through the pipeline.
The governor’s directive activates Oregon’s emergency fuel plan and allows the Department of Transportation to temporarily loosen trucking regulations to speed deliveries if necessary.
Crews in Washington are still investigating the source of the leak and determining how much fuel may have escaped. State agencies continue to monitor conditions and advise the public to plan ahead for travel and fuel needs.
