Oregon approves ‘Clean Trucks Rule’ to crack down on diesel-powered vehicles

Oregon officials have passed a new rule that will require truck manufacturers to shift sales toward zero-emissions electric vehicles starting in 2025.

On Wednesday, November 17, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission approved a new “Clean Trucks Rule” that will require the makers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles to begin selling a certain percentage of electric vehicles starting in 2025. Under the new rule, by 2030, 30% of semi trucks sold in Oregon must be zero-emission electric vehicles. That number would rise to 40% by 2035.

The new rule will also impost stricter nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter emission standards for new diesel and non-diesel truck engines.

“Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for cleaner air in Oregon,” says Department of Environmental Quality Director Richard Whitman. “Signaling that Oregon is open for business for zero emissions trucks is an important part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diesel pollution, particularly for communities located near our highways and rail yards. We thank the EQC for their leadership in today’s decision.” 

Critics of the Clean Trucks Rule have suggested that Oregon does not currently have the charging infrastructure to support a growing number of electric vehicles and that it will be tough for truck manufacturers to comply with the timeline for implementation.

Oregon’s Clean Trucks Rule is modeled after California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule.

In July 2020, Oregon was one of 15 states plus the District of Washington that entered into a “joint memorandum of understanding,” to partner to advance and accelerate the market for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including large pickup trucks and vans, delivery trucks, box trucks, school and transit buses, and long-haul delivery trucks (big rigs). The other states include California, Connecticut, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.