State of emergency declared in Oregon, after major fuel pipeline failure
State of emergency declared in Oregon, after major fuel pipeline failure.
A pipeline that moves over 90% of Oregon’s fuel going offline is a real supply-shock risk, especially right before peak holiday travel.
The emergency order is mostly about keeping distribution stable while crews fix the leak, but the short-term pressure on prices and availability is going to be felt fast. Hope they get it patched quickly.
Kotek’s executive order essentially allows coordination among state agencies, specifically the Department of Emergency, the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation, to respond to the emergency and allow them to activate plans and provide temporary waivers of regulations where needed, especially around fuel delivery.
Meanwhile, crews in Washington are working around the clock to determine the source of the leak, which prompted the pipeline’s shutdown last week.
The pipeline provides fuel for flights out Sea-Tac, which is an airport often used by Portland travelers during layovers.
There is concern the leak could impact holiday flights, although as of Monday night, impacts have been minimal. Fuel is being delivered to the airport.
There is also concern the shutdown will impact gas prices. Kotek’s office said Oregonians may see higher prices at the pump because of the cost of using other ways of getting fuel into state other than through the pipeline.
The leak has also prompted worries over environmental impacts.
