Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has voted to join the cleaner cars program that will reduce toxic vehicle emissions and protect public health and the environment for all Oregonians
PORTLAND — Today, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) voted to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) program, setting the state on a path to lower vehicle emissions and a healthy transition to electric vehicles and cleaner air, by requiring that every new light-duty vehicle sold in Oregon to be a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) by 2035.
Oregon’s DEQ estimates that, by 2040, ACCII rules would reduce 54.1 million metric tons of wheel to wheel carbon emissions, result in $8.7 million dollars in savings in pollution-related healthcare costs, and reduce 7,695 tons of air pollution, including cutting nitrous oxide (NOx) and 372 tons of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5).
The ACCII rule update is critical for Oregon to reduce air pollution and meet our state’s transportation emission reduction goals. The transportation sector makes up about 40 percent of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions, 62 percent of which is from passenger cars and trucks.
The American Lung Association’s 2022 State of the Air Report Card, gave Oregon failing grades for nearly all counties where data was collected. Air pollution is linked to higher rates of premature death, cancer, heart disease, and breathing problems like asthma in kids and adults. Air pollution also disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous and communities of color (BIPOC) and low-income Oregonians—especially anyone living closer to highway and transportation corridors.
In response to today’s news, Oregon clean air advocates released the following statements:
“As residents of rural Douglas County, we are pleased that the Environmental Quality Commission adopted the ACCII Rule,” said Stuart Liebowitz from the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition. “Because we often have to travel longer distances to work and shop, we are particularly vulnerable to the financial pinch of high gas prices. A transition to electric cars will be an economic blessing to rural communities such as ours.”
“Adopting strong clean vehicle standards, alongside other states across the country, is one of the most important steps that Oregon can take to improve public health and accomplish our climate goals,” said David Collier, Oregon Sierra Club. “This proposed rule will also make new and used electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to communities across Oregon. Oregonians will reduce their dependence on petroleum, gain access to more affordable EVs, substantially save money on fuel, vehicle maintenance and upkeep, reduce toxic air pollution, and make their communities much healthier places to live. DEQ’s rule is both an environmental and economic win for Oregon.”
“With the passage of ACC II, the increased adoption of electric vehicles and infrastructure will create opportunities for additional modes of transportation electrification, jobs and economic growth while reducing transportation emissions,” said Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Forth. “Policymakers and leaders must ensure equity and access remain top priorities as our region embarks on this exciting transformation.”
“With the Clean Cars II Rule adopted, Oregon joins Washington and California to create an electric vehicle west coast,” said Victoria Paykar, Oregon Transportation Policy Manager for Climate Solutions. “Electric vehicles get us off gas price swings and significantly cut our climate and air pollution–especially for low-income and BIPOC communities that are disproportionately located next to highways. This rule will also expand the new and used electric vehicle market, making this needed transition easier and more affordable for all.”
“The new clean car rules are great news for everyone in Oregon. The transition to zero emissions vehicles means less air pollution in neighborhoods, less climate pollution in the atmosphere, and lower costs for car owners because operating electric vehicles is cheaper,” said Jacqui Treiger, Campaign Manager of Climate and Transportation at Oregon Environmental Council. “And, because Oregon already has one of the strongest EV rebates in the country, purchasing an EV is available to more and more people. We're excited that Oregon is joining other states, like California and Washington, in moving toward a cleaner transportation future.”
“Our electrical system will soon be the backbone of our transportation system as electric vehicles become more common,'' said Annabel Drayton, Senior Policy Associate, NW Energy Coalition. “Adoption of the ACCII rule allows that transition to continue smoothly, provides policy alignment with our west coast neighbors, and ensures that Oregonians can be a part of a clean energy future.”
"Oregon's decision to adopt these clean car standards, with other states considering similar action, will advance the fight against climate change and air pollution by driving down tailpipe emissions,” said Dave Reichmuth, Senior Engineer, Union of Concerned Scientists. “Together with federal investments in accelerating adoption of electric cars and building charging stations, these standards will speed the necessary transition to zero-emission vehicles on our roadways."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.