Introduction

The national gasoline shortage of the early 1970s helped inspire the creation of the Oregon Department of Energy in 1975. Originally, ODOE’s fuel planning efforts focused on supply issues resulting from international geopolitics. Since the 1970s, the agency’s fuel policies and procedures have evolved and adapted to address the region’s changing petroleum supply and distribution system needs. In 2017, ODOE developed an Oregon Fuel Action Plan that identifies strategies for addressing a variety of potential events that could trigger supply disruptions and distribution problems.


Authorities: Fuel Planning Authority, Roles, and Responsibilities

  • Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 401 – grants the governor broad authority to protect the public by declaring a State of Emergency when a disaster occurs. An emergency declaration gives the governor authority to control emergency operations in the affected area and to: 1) suspend provisions of any order or rule of any state agency; 2) use and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities; and 3) direct supplemental services and equipment. In the event the governor is not available to perform the emergency powers described in ORS 401, the authority is next delegated to the Secretary of State, and then to the State Treasurer.

    ORS 401.188 provides additional powers to the governor to control, restrict, or regulate the use, sale, or distribution of fuel and other commodities to support the state’s response and recovery activities.

  • ORS 176.750-820 authorizes ODOE to develop and maintain a statewide contingency plan in response to petroleum shortages that affect Oregon. This includes providing adequate fuel supplies to maintain emergency services, transportation, and the operation of the economy to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of Oregon residents while an emergency exists.

    2017 Oregon Fuel Action Plan

 

Emergency Support Function 12: Energy

At the federal level, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated the U.S. Department of Energy to lead Emergency Support Function 12: Energy in the case of emergencies that disrupt energy systems. At the state level, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management has designated ODOE and the Oregon Public Utility Commission as lead agencies for ESF 12 during emergencies. ODOE is responsible for the liquid fuels sector and the OPUC is the lead for the electricity and natural gas sectors in planning for, responding to, and recovering from a disaster. ODOE works closely with the U.S. Department of Energy to ensure the federal ESF 12 plans integrate and align with state strategies in preparation for responding to and recovering from fuel disruptions affecting Oregon.

 

What is an ESF and what do they mean for Oregon ?

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) developed a coordinated response structure identifying 18 Emergency Support Functions or ESFs that ensure if critical lifelines and services are disrupted, vital capabilities and resources can be provided by emergency response agencies. Oregon’s ESF structure mirrors the federal framework, and ESF 12 addresses the energy subsectors.