On Monday, Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline, which supplies over 90% of the state's fuel. This decision was made to ensure that sufficient fuel continues to reach Oregon as the pipeline remains out of operation due to a leak. The Olympic Pipeline has been closed for a week following reports of a leak and temporary shutdowns earlier this month, impacting the state's fuel supply just before the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
The emergency declaration aims to facilitate the transportation of fuel via ships and trucks. To effectively implement this, the governor's order includes measures such as waiving certain regulations concerning how long commercial drivers transporting fuel can operate. This is intended to expedite the delivery process and mitigate any potential disruptions caused by the pipeline's closure.
The concerned pipeline, operated by BP, runs from Washington into Oregon and is approximately 400 miles (644 kilometers) long. BP crews are currently engaged in extensive excavation work, having dug up to 200 feet (60 meters) of the pipeline to determine the source of the leak detected outside Everett, Washington. The company has stated that their teams are working around the clock to address the situation.
Officials in Oregon have expressed confidence that the emergency measures will prevent a fuel shortage within the state or at Portland International Airport. However, they did caution that drivers might experience an increase in fuel prices due to the more expensive delivery methods employed during this emergency response.
In Washington state, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a similar state of emergency the previous week. The shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline is beginning to affect air travel in Seattle as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. Major airlines operating out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have acknowledged experiencing delays attributed to the fuel shortages caused by the pipeline closure.
To adapt to the supply issues, airlines are resorting to bringing in fuel via tanker trucks and implementing strategies such as directing flights to arrive with extra fuel or make stops afterward to refuel. These measures showcase the adaptive responses being utilized to handle the unexpected fuel supply challenges posed by the ongoing situation.
Overall, the developments regarding the Olympic Pipeline highlight the interconnectedness of fuel supply issues and transportation logistics, especially during peak travel times like Thanksgiving. State officials are actively working to secure the fuel supply while minimizing the impact on both fuel prices and air travel. The situation remains fluid as investigative efforts continue and emergency protocols are in place.
