Member Spotlight: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s environment, with a mission rooted in safeguarding the quality of the state’s air, water, and land. From regulating emissions to promoting clean fuels, DEQ is a driving force behind many of Oregon’s most impactful environmental initiatives. 

DEQ leads the charge in developing innovative policies and funding programs that reduce emissions and advance clean transportation across the state. DEQ’s work to improve air quality is especially impactful in the transportation sector, where diesel emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles can have a significant effect on public health—especially in communities located near major roadways and freight corridors. 

A major component of this effort includes grant and incentive programs that support the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles. DEQ administers the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funding to replace older diesel engines with newer, cleaner technologies—including battery electric and alternative fuel models. These investments are helping to modernize fleets across the state, while delivering tangible air quality improvements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This program has supported school districts, transit agencies, and private fleets in upgrading buses, trucks, and off-road equipment, reducing exposure to harmful diesel exhaust. Through its Clean Fuels Program, DEQ is driving demand for lower-carbon fuels and supporting the infrastructure necessary for a cleaner fuel future.

One of the projects supported through our Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant – an electric yard goat for City of Roses. 

Looking ahead, DEQ remains committed to partnering with organizations like Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition to support clean vehicle adoption, expand charging infrastructure, and deliver the funding and policy support needed to build a more sustainable transportation system. These partnerships are critical to achieving Oregon’s environmental goals and ensuring that the benefits of clean transportation are shared equitably across all communities.

DEQ’s Clean Diesel and Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs have helped Oregon businesses and agencies reduce their carbon footprints while improving air quality across the state. These programs focus on providing funding to replace aging diesel trucks with newer, cleaner options, as well as supporting the electrification of fleets to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By offering these grants and incentives, DEQ has helped to accelerate the shift toward electric trucks, playing a crucial role in the state’s efforts to meet environmental and climate goals. These efforts are crucial in achieving Oregon's long-term sustainability goals and fostering a cleaner, healthier future for communities statewide.

Through these initiatives, DEQ continues to support Oregon’s long-term sustainability by fostering the adoption of cleaner transportation technologies. The agency’s work directly contributes to reducing the environmental impact of Oregon’s fleet vehicles, helping both public and private sector organizations transition to greener solutions. As a proud member of the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, DEQ remains committed to driving progress in Oregon’s transportation sector and supporting the state’s efforts toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.