Oregon DEQ: 40th Anniversary Stories

Environmental Challenge

In the early 1970s, downtown Portland violated the national health standards for carbon monoxide an average of once every three days. In the Medford area, national health standards for carbon monoxide were
violated 35 times in 1985. Both cities also exceeded the standard for ozone smog at least 40 days per year.

High levels of carbon dioxide and smog aggravate asthma, decrease lung capacity, impair the immune
system and contribute to increased hospital emergency room visits.

Success Story

Air pollution in the Portland and Medford areas has been dramatically reduced because of DEQ's Vehicle Inspection Program. Oregon was the first state in the nation to authorize a vehicle inspection program. Within two years of beginning vehicle emission testing in Portland in 1975, carbon monoxide levels dropped 20 percent and ozone pre-cursors - nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds - declined 15 percent. Thanks to vehicle inspection and other pollution reduction strategies, there hasn't been a single carbon monoxide violation in downtown Portland since 1985. On average, vehicles that fail emissions tests produce up to four times as much pollution as those that pass.		Excellent customer service, reduced wait times, one of the nation’s lowest emissions test fees and innovative, accurate and reliable testing has made Oregon’s vehicle inspection program a national leader. DEQ also offers DMV registration and renewal services so most customers enjoy “one-stop” service. Early mobile testing units were placed in parking lots prior to the construction of today’s covered testing facilities.

Success Story: Oregon's Innovative Vehicle Inspection Program Gets Results

Environmental Challenge