ODOT and DEQ Release Report to Assist Transition to Zero Emissions for Medium- and Heavy-duty Sectors in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Transportation Climate Office and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality teamed up to develop the recently released Incentives to Support the Transition to Zero Emissions for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Sectors in Oregon report. The report explores how incentivize Oregon’s transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and the needed refueling infrastructure.
The Oregon Legislature directed ODOT and DEQ to explore incentives to support the rapid transition from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that burn gas and diesel to vehicles that run on cleaner alternative fuels like electricity or hydrogen.
Key Takeaways:
Current incentives are not enough. State and federal grant programs are underfunded, too narrow in scope, or both. New programs must be flexible and established quickly.
Different types of incentives are needed. Incentives should cover vehicle-only and infrastructure-only options, but also offer combined options, too.
Incentives should be "stackable." Incentives from different sources — state, federal, utility, etc. — should be compatible with each other.
Dedicated, long-term funding is key. Converting the entire vehicle fleet will take time. Some sectors will convert faster than others.
Access and equity are a priority. Many Oregon fleet owners are small businesses that may need help with the incentive process. Incentive programs should reserve a portion of funding for fleets that serve communities disproportionally impacted by emissions.
Read full report: Incentives to Support the Transition to Zero Emissions for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Sectors in Oregon