ECO Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ECO Rules?

The ECO rules (OAR 340-242-0010 through 0290), affect employers in the Portland area with more than 100 employees reporting to a work site. Affected employers must provide incentives for employee use of alternative commute options. The incentives must have the potential to reduce commute trips to the work site by ten percent from an established baseline. Employee surveys determine the baseline and measure progress toward this goal.

Why do we have ECO?

ECO is part of a bigger, federally required plan, which includes the Vehicle Inspection Program and Industry Regulations. The main goal of this plan is to prevent adverse health impacts due to air pollution. It also works to remove industrial growth impediments, avoid sanctions on federal transportation funds and reduce traffic congestion.

How does an employer comply?

First, survey employees to determine current commute methods, then prepare a plan to meet the target reduction and submit the plan to DEQ for approval. Compliance is based on submitting and implementing a sufficient plan and on whether a good faith effort is made to achieve the target. If you are already complying with ECO, DEQ staff will help you figure our your next steps.

What are some typical alternate commute incentives?

Popular programs include transit subsidies, carpool matching and preferential parking for carpools, compressed work weeks (4/10's for example), telecommuting, and bike/walk programs. Most companies offer a guaranteed ride home for personal emergencies for commuters.

Why aren't motorcycles and scooters listed on the ECO survey as an alternate commute mode?

ECO's primary goal is to reduce smog air pollution. Motorcycles and scooters - even those meeting stricter California emissions standards - emit significantly more smog-forming pollutants than cars or even large SUVs. They typically don't have catalytic converters which are too big, heavy, and hot to work on most motorcycles.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Compliance is based on the employer making a good faith effort. There is no penalty for not reaching the 10% trip reduction goal, as long as the employer meets the administrative requirements of the rules. Failure to follow through with the administrative requirements of ECO is a Class II environmental violation. Civil penalties are determined under OAR 340-012-0045.

What is the timeline for ECO compliance?

DEQ staff will notify ECO affected employers within three months following rule adoption of the changes. DEQ staff will spend the first six months following notification providing technical assistance to bring all affected employers into compliance. Within nine months following rule adoption DEQ will issue warning letters (the first step in enforcement) to all employers who have not come into compliance.

I'm new to ECO. What should I do?

Contact DEQ to get started. Typically, an employer has 30 days to submit a registration form and survey findings, and 60 days to submit a trip reduction plan.

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