8 Oregon Trucking Association, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Mark Gibson, Chair OTA in Action Committee/ President, Siskiyou Transportation ONE OF THE latest programs to be rolled out by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding zero-emission vehicles may help the trucking industry…well, kind of. For those of you who remember all the way back to 2017, the Oregon Legislature adopted House Bill 2017. You’ve all heard a lot about HB 2017 and that there was a lot more to it than just an increase in our weight-mile tax. It also authorized the DEQ to establish a rebate program for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This first program was for lightduty vehicles only. Then, in 2018, the Legislature adopted HB 4059, which further clarified the plan for light-duty ZEVs. Then, in 2019, the Legislature adopted HB 2592, which further clarified and removed existing requirements for light-duty ZEVs. In 2021, the Oregon Legislature adopted HB 2165, which again changed the requirements for light-duty ZEVs. Finally, in 2023, the Oregon Legislature adopted House Bill 3409, which authorized the DEQ to establish a rebate program for medium and heavyduty zero-emission vehicles. This is good. We now have an incentive program in Oregon for medium and heavy-duty ZEVs, however, the Legislature only allocated $3 million for the program. When you look at the cost of a Class 8 ZEV, you realize $3 million doesn’t go very far. We also have to remember these funds are for both medium duty as well as heavy-duty ZEVs. The other factor to consider is that these funds are available for both private fleets as well as public fleets. As of the date this article was written, the program was still in the final phases of rulemaking and some changes are still likely. Following are some likely amounts in terms of rebates: • Medium-duty vehicles (Class 2b through Class 7) should see between $2,500 and $85,000 per qualifying vehicle. • Heavy-duty vehicles (those vehicles above 33,000 lbs.) should see a $120,000 rebate available per qualified vehicle. Vehicles must be registered in the state of Oregon and operate primarily within the state. Additionally, the qualifying vehicle must be retained by the purchaser for a period of 36 months, otherwise, the purchaser will be required to return a prorated amount to the DEQ. The program only applies to new ZEVs and each applicant will be limited to a maximum of five eligible vehicles to qualify for the rebate. One last stipulation for monies allocated by the DEQ is that DEQ will prioritize disproportionately burdened communities in the application process. A great deal has happened on the carbon reduction front in Oregon, and you can bet we will see many more programs introduced in the coming years. There are many challenges to the adoption of ZEVs, in addition to the high cost of acquisition range is an impediment, as well as a charging infrastructure, hydrogen refueling infrastructure, or any other potential switch from diesel fuel. Today’s trucks are cleaner than ever, and it would be in everyone’s best interest to look at all the alternatives along with their pros and cons before we continue down the mandated road. OREGON DEQ’S NEW MEDIUM AND HEAVY-DUTY ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATE PROGRAM Today’s trucks are cleaner than ever, and it would be in everyone’s best interest to look at all the alternatives along with their pros and cons before we continue down the mandated road.
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