Clean Air Partners Program

Clean Air Partners (CAPs) is a program to help people whose vehicles do not pass DEQ's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) test and who can't afford to repair their vehicles' emission system. DEQ's Vehicle Inspection Program has partnered with the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette and Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships in order to help build a Clean Air Partners Fund through voluntary donations from the public.

As of July 1, 2006 only 1996 and newer vehicles that fail the OBD test are eligible for CAPs repair assistance. OBD vehicles must be at "Ready" status. If your vehicle is "Not Ready" you will need to complete a drive cycle in order to qualify to take the emissions test. Low-income restrictions also apply.

Oregonians, who want to help those in need and keep Oregon's air clean for everyone, are donating to the Clean Air Partners Fund at DEQ Clean Air Stations. The fund will help low-income individuals pay for vehicle repairs to their emission systems if their vehicle has failed the OBD test. People who qualify for the program pay only $50 for their vehicle's emission system repairs.

Read more about CAPs in the Clean Air Partners (CAPs) Fact Sheet PDF.

Becoming a Clean Air Partner

If you would like to support the CAPs program you may deposit a donation in one of the many collection boxes located at each DEQ Clean Air Station in the Portland area. Envelopes are also available at the stations if you wish to mail a donation or you can send your donation (check or money order only) directly to United Way addressed to:

The Clean Air Partners Fund
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
619 Southwest 11th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97205

Make sure you write "Clean Air Partners Fund" on your check.

Applying for the CAPs program

You must be able to demonstrate low-income status. If your vehicle fails the OBD Test contact VIP's Technical Center at (971) 673-1630. The Technical Center staff will provide you with a CAPs application form.

Once you are approved for the CAPs program, you must then bring your vehicle to the Technical Center for visual inspection. If your vehicle passes this inspection, you will then be directed to a Ron Tonkin Service Center. Tonkin will provide DEQ an estimate of repairs and a diagnosis of needed repairs. If the repair costs are not excessive and are limited to the emissions system DEQ will approve your vehicle for repair.

If you have additional questions about the Clean Air Partners program please contact the VIP Technical Center at (971) 673-1630 ext. 0.

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