Transportation

How we get around and how we design our communities affects our environment. DEQ is working to protect public health and Oregon’s environment by monitoring pollution from on-road mobile sources like cars and trucks, providing financial incentives to encourage cleaner diesels, promoting alternative commute options, developing low-carbon fuel standards and adopting stricter vehicle emission rules. Here you will find information on the many ways DEQ promotes sustainable transportation and learn what you can do to lower your transportation footprint.
Hot Topics Low Emission Vehicles Advancing Technology Vehicle Inspection Land Use Issues	Fuels - Diesel, Biodiesel, Low Carbon Fuels and More! Recycling and Reuse What you can do! Other Resources

Hot Topics

DEQ recently proposed changes to Oregon's Transportation Conformity rules to align them with current federal requirements. Unfortunately, the proposed rules made available for public comment inadvertently failed to show many rule deletions. The omissions involve rules being repealed because they duplicate federal requirements. *The corrected revisions are posted below.

DEQ will accept comments related to this clarification until 5 P.M. January 8, 2010. Comments may be submitted in writing to Dave Nordberg, Oregon DEQ, Air Quality Division, 811 SW Sixth Avenue, or fax to 503-229-5675. Comments may also be submitted electronically to: TranspConformity@deq.state.or.us

If you have questions, please contact Dave Nordberg at 503-229-5519. Within Oregon, you may call toll-free 800-452-4011 ext. 5519.

• Transportation Conformity Proposed Rulemaking
  • Proposed Rulemaking Announcement
  • CORRECTED (12/21/09): Proposed Rule Revisions*
  • Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing
  • Fiscal Impact Statement
  • Relationship to Federal Requirements
  • Land Use Evaluation Statement
• Oregon’s Topping Off Ban - In effect since July 1, 2009
• Keep an Eye on the AQI – Real-time information on air quality pollution in your community

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Low Emission Vehicles

The primary purpose of these requirements is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Oregon’s Low Emission Vehicle (ORLEV) rules decrease traditional pollutants such as hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide and promote zero-emission vehicles. This program applies only to new (2009 model year) cars and trucks, with fewer than 7500 miles.

• DEQ’s Low Emission Vehicles Program
• Tax Credits for LEV vehicles may be available. For more information, see the Oregon Department of Energy's Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles website.

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Advancing Technology

New vehicle technologies are attempting to lessen the impact on the environment while providing energy sources that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. More information can be found on DEQ's Advancing Technology site. 

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Vehicle Inspection

DEQ’s Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) is one of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution and maintain air quality in the Portland and Rogue Valley areas. 

• VIP Home – Access hours, locations, statistics and more
• DEQ-Recognized Automotive Repair Shops – Need a mechanic? DEQ keeps a list of recognized auto repair shops with experience helping people maintain their vehicles so they run cleaner and get better gas mileage.
• Clean Air Partners – Need assistance with repairs to pass the emissions test? DEQ may be able to help!
• Smoking Vehicles – Report smoking vehicles. Know the rules.

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Land Use Issues

One goal of Oregon’s unique land use requirements is to promote better air quality by reducing the amount of vehicle miles traveled. Transportation and growth management plans link community planning and transportation methods together to create more vibrant and livable communities. Learn more about Oregon’s land use laws.

• Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development
• Oregon Transportation and Growth Management
• Metro

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Fuels

This information includes fuels and fuel sources that are non-conventional. Non-conventional fuel sources can be used to help diversity fuel resources in the United States.

• Diesel and Biodiesel
• Oregon Department of Energy's Alternative Transportation Fuels page
• Oregon Department of Transportation’s Electric Vehicle Charging Network
• Low Carbon Fuel

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Recycling and Reuse

Recycling helps in preserving our natural resources by reusing existing materials.

• Ecological Business PDF
• Automotive Shops
• Recycling Oil
• Recycling Tires
• Air Bag Maintenance PDF
• Recycling Mercury Switches PDF
• Recycling Antifreeze PDF
• Recycling Vehicles (METRO)
• Disposal of Solid Waste

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What You Can Do!

Want to save money while lowering your vehicles environmental impact? Check here to learn more about alternative transportation choices and options to promote sustainable transportation.

• Drive Less Save More Website - Provides a one-stop shop for all modes of transportation: transit, carpool, bike, and walk
• Lower Your Vehicles Environmental Footprint PDF
• Fuel Economy
  • US Department of Energy web page on Fuel Economy
  • EPA webpage on Fuel Economy
• Employee Commute Options in the Portland Metropolitan Area
  • DEQ Resources on Employee Commute Options
  • Employee Commute Options Fact Sheet PDF
• Bicycles
  • Metro - Bicycles
  • Oregon Bike Maps
  • Bicycle Transportation Alliance
  • ByCycle.org - Bicycle Route Planner for Portland Metro Area
• Passenger Trains
  • Oregon Trains
  • Metro - Ride Public Transit
• Sustainable Transportation
• Oregon Department of Energy's Business Energy Tax Credit - 35% tax credit for employer-based transportation programs that save energy

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Other Resources

• Oregon Department of Transportation's Public Transportation Division
• Metro - Transportation
• City of Portland Office of Transportation
• Lane Regional Air Protection Agency

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