| Date: Dec. 8, 2022 A report on how to encourage Oregon’s conversion to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure is now online. |
| The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and The Oregon Department of Transportation collaborated to create “Incentives to Support the Transition to Zero Emissions for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Sectors in Oregon.” You may read the full report and its background by visiting the related page on DEQ’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/programs/Pages/MHD-Incentive-Report.aspx. The Oregon Legislature directed DEQ and ODOT to explore incentives for a rapid transition from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that burn gas and diesel to those that run on cleaner alternative fuels, like electricity or hydrogen. “Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles” are delivery vans, school buses, dump trucks, semi-trucks or other large, heavy vehicles. |
Current incentives are not enough. State and federal grant programs are underfunded, too narrow in scope or both. New programs must be flexible and established quickly at both levels.
Dedicated, long-term funding is key. Converting the full vehicle fleet will take time. Some sectors will convert faster than others.
Incentives should be stackable. Incentives from various sources — state, federal, utility, etc. — should all play nice with each other. This helps vehicle manufacturers and fleet owners choose what works best for their needs.
Access and equity are a priority. Many Oregon fleets are owned by small businesses that may need help navigating the incentive process. Programs focused on zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles should ensure that Oregon’s frontline communities benefit from reduced emissions.
What’s next
DEQ and ODOT are committed to supporting the medium- and heavy-duty transition to zero-emission vehicles. Moving forward, they are incorporating the report’s results into their work as they continue to collaborate with the legislature, the public and local governments to help reduce emissions from Oregon’s vehicle fleets.
For media inquiries, contact:
Susan C. Mills, Oregon DEQ public affairs specialist, Susan.Mills@deq.oregon.gov, 503-956-9648