SALEM, Ore.-Governor Tina Kotek declared a State of Emergency in Oregon on November 24, due to the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend.
The state of emergency was declared due to “potential disruptions in fuel delivery as a result of the second major Olympic Pipeline shutdown in the past three months.”
A leak in the pipeline was first reported in early November, followed by intermittent shutoffs. The pipeline has now been shut down for a week as BP crews work to excavate and find the source of the leak.
The Olympic Pipeline, runs some 400 miles from Blaine, Washington to Portland and supplies about 90 percent of Oregon’s fuel.
According to Gov. Kotek’s Office, Oregon is not currently experiencing a fuel shortage, and the State of Emergency declaration ensures that an “adequate” amount of fuel makes it into Oregon on board ships and by truck.
Executive Order 25-30 allows the Oregon Department of Transportation to grant waivers regarding the requirements for fuel delivery, and allows fuel suppliers to deliver by truck and barge.
Governor Bob Ferguson declared a State of Emergency in Washington last week in response to the pipeline shutdown, citing fuel delivery impacts at SeaTac Airport.
Oregon’s State of Emergency is in effect until December 24, unless ended or extended by Governor Kotek.
