Oregon Postpones Implementation of Progressive Clean Truck Regulations

the enforcement suspension aligns with recent Republican initiatives aimed at delaying these regulations by two years—though that bill has since failed.

in March, Governor Kotek urged DEQ to ease restrictions specifically for larger trucks after Daimler Truck North America paused big rig sales due to difficulties meeting new electric vehicle requirements.

Additionally, DEQ recently postponed another rule aimed at reducing diesel emissions from trucks and buses—a move intended to lower nitrogen oxide levels linked with serious health issues like asthma.

Feldon noted that manufacturers cited high production costs and insufficient charging infrastructure as major barriers preventing them from hitting sales targets.

She also pointed fingers at federal uncertainties regarding zero-emission vehicle incentives which complicate matters further.

“The current political climate creates meaningful unpredictability around EV incentives,” she mentioned in her memo.

This delay aims not only to assist businesses needing new vehicles but also addresses limited availability caused by some companies restricting diesel truck sales while trying to comply with existing rules.

State Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis described this delay as a practical solution given current circumstances.

“The lack of adequate charging stations combined with high costs makes these rules impractical,” she stated.

Governor Kotek reassured stakeholders that while enforcement is paused now, it will resume later since these requirements are crucial for achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals—especially considering vehicles contribute substantially (35%) towards Oregon’s total emissions according to DEQ data.

Environmental groups expressed disappointment over this delay; they argue it could lead Oregonians into higher healthcare costs associated with respiratory illnesses linked directly back to pollution levels rising due such regulatory rollbacks.

Mary Peveto from Neighbors for Clean Air emphasized how delaying clean truck regulations isn’t merely administrative—it’s detrimental public health policy too.

She accused DEQ of yielding under pressure from fossil fuel interests aiming nationally coordinated efforts against transitioning towards cleaner transportation options.

As Congress debates revoking California’s Clean Air Act waivers—which many states including Oregon rely on—the future enforcement landscape remains uncertain moving forward.