Oregon Laws and Incentives

Listed below are the summaries of all current Oregon laws, incentives, regulations, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality. You can go directly to summaries of:

• State Incentives (10)
• Utility / Private Incentives (8)
• Laws and Regulations (33)

State Incentives

Oregon's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about Oregon’s NEVI planning process, see the ODOT Oregon’s Five-year EV Charging Infrastructure Roadmap website. To review Oregon’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate

The Charge Ahead Rebate Program offers low- and medium-income Oregon residents a rebate of up to $5,000 for new or pre-owned EVs purchased between April 3, 2024, and June 4, 2024, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Residents who purchased a new EV may combine this rebate with the Clean Vehicle Rebate to receive a maximum rebate of $7,500. Qualifying residents are considered households with income levels that do not exceed 400% of the federal poverty line. For more information, see the Charge Ahead Rebate Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 and 468.446)

Community Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) administers the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, which offers grants to tribal entities, local governments, port and irrigation districts, and consumer-owned utilities to plan and develop community renewable energy and energy resilience projects. Eligible projects include publicly accessible EV chargers. Grant amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of total project costs. Half of program funds must be awarded to low-income, underserved, or rural communities. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, see the ODOE Community Renewable Energy Grant Program website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebates

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers a rebate for the purchase and installation of qualifying EV chargers to businesses; multifamily housing (MFH); and state, local, and tribal government entities for the purchase and installation of qualifying EV chargers. Rebates amounts vary by charger type and may cover 75% of project costs, up to the following amounts:

Seventy percent of the project funds are reserved for projects located within rural or disadvantaged communities. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, see the ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program website.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Zero Emission Vehicle Rebates

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates to Oregon residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle (EV), including a PHEV, electric motorcycle, or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). EVs and FCEVs purchased between April 3, 2024, and June 4, 2024, with a battery capacity greater than 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh), are eligible for a rebate of $2,500. EVs and FCEVs with a battery capacity of less than 10 kWh are eligible for a rebate of $1,500.

Electric motorcycles are eligible for a rebate of $750. EVs may not have an MSRP of more than $50,000, and eligible FCEVs may not have an MSRP of more than $60,000. For more information, see the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 - 468.444 and Temporary Administrative Order DEQ 19-2021)

Alternative Fuel Loans

The Oregon Department of Energy administers the Small-Scale Local Energy Loan Program which offers low-interest loans for qualifying projects. Eligible alternative fuel projects include fuel production facilities, dedicated feedstock production, fueling infrastructure, and fleet vehicles. Loan recipients must complete a loan application and pay a loan application fee. For more information, see the Energy Loan Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 470)

Clean School Bus Grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality must use funds awarded to Oregon through the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust and deposited in the Clean Diesel Engine Fund, to award grants to owners and operators of at least 450 school buses powered by diesel engines. Eligible vehicles include buses that have at least three years of remaining useful life. Grants will be available for 30%, up to $50,000, for the purchase of a new bus or up to 100% of the cost to retrofit a school bus with emissions-reducing parts or technology that reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by at least 85%. Any money not expended under this Clean Diesel Engine Fund will fund grants for the reduction of diesel engine emissions as matching funds under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program. For more information, see the VW Settlement website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.795-468A.807)

Biofuels Production Property Tax Exemption

Property used to produce biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel, may be eligible for a property tax exemption if it is located in a designated Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone. The Oregon Business Development Department must receive and approve an application from a qualified rural area to designate the area as a Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone. For more information, see the Business Oregon Rural Renewable Energy Development Zone website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 285C.350 through 285C.370)

Alternative Fuel Technology Weight Exemption

A vehicle equipped with a fully functional idle reduction system designed to reduce fuel use and emissions from engine idling may exceed the maximum weight limitations by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to accommodate the added weight of the idle reduction technology. Any natural gas vehicle or electric vehicle may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 818.030)

Pollution Control Equipment Exemption

Dedicated original equipment manufacturer natural gas vehicles and all-electric vehicles are not required to be equipped with a certified pollution control system.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 815.300)

Utility / Private Incentives

Central Lincoln - Oregon

Central Lincoln is a cooperative that operates in Oregon. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Central Lincoln website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Consumers Power Inc. (CPI) - Oregon

Consumers Power Inc. (CPI) is a cooperative that operates in Oregon. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Consumers Power Inc. (CPI) website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) - Oregon

Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) is a cooperative that operates in Oregon. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Emerald People’s Utility District (EPUD) website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) - Oregon

Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) is a municipal utility that operates in Oregon. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Idaho Power - Oregon

Idaho Power is an investor-owned utility (IOU) that operates in multiple states. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Idaho Power website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Pacific Power - Oregon

Pacific Power is an investor-owned utility (IOU) that operates in multiple states. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Pacific Power website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA) - Oregon

Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA) is utility that operates in multiple states. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by this organization related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Pacific Propane Gas Association (PPGA) website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Portland General Electric (PGE) - Oregon

Portland General Electric (PGE) is an investor-owned utility (IOU) that operates in Oregon. This page provides a summary of the types of incentives provided by the utility related to alternative fuels and vehicles. For more information on these incentives, see the Portland General Electric (PGE) website.

Residential Incentives

Non-Residential Incentives

Laws and Regulations

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement

Oregon has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2025, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in Oregon. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Clean Truck Rules 2021 website.

(Reference DEQ Administrative Order 17-2021 and Oregon Administration Rules 340)

Diesel Emissions Reductions Registration Requirement

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (ODMV) will phase out registrations for certain medium-duty (MD) and heavy-duty (HD) trucks powered by diesel engines in Multnomah, Clackamas, or Washington Counties unless vehicles have been retrofitted or repowered with approved technologies. ODMV will no longer issue certificates of titles on or after the following dates:

The Oregon Department of Transportation must submit an annual report to the Legislative Assembly on the effects of the titling restrictions of MD and HD diesel trucks annually by September 15.

(Reference Administrative Order No. DEQ-11-2021 and Oregon Administrative Rules 340-256-0010 through 340-256-0560)

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Support

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) will develop rules for RNG distribution programs for both small and large utilities. Rules must include reporting requirement guidelines and a rate recovery costs process. The PUC must establish rate caps for small natural gas utilities.

The PUC has established voluntary RNG target distribution goals for large utilities that participate in the RNG program under the following schedule:

Calendar Years	Percent RNG
2020-2024	5%
2025-2029	10%
2030-2034	15%
2035-2039	20%
2040-2044	25%
2045-2050	30%

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.396)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption Support

To support the state goal of at least 50,000 EVs registered and operating in Oregon by 2020, the Zero-Emission Vehicle Working Group (Working Group) will develop goals and progress metrics for EV adoption. The Working Group will include representatives from the Departments of Administrative Services, Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The Working Group will aim to remove barriers to EVs and EV chargers and share information about their efforts with the public. For more information, see the ODOT Zero Emission Vehicle Working Group and Go Electric Oregon websites.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Volkswagen (VW) Settlement Allocation

The Department Environmental Quality (DEQ), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), and Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, engaged stakeholders and received public comments to inform the development of a plan to leverage up to 15% of the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust to support vehicle electrification. The plan includes the development and maintenance of electric vehicle chargers, with a focus on rural and low-income communities.

ODOT, with ODOE, DEQ, the Public Utility Commission, and local governments, must develop proposals for future 30-month investment periods of Electrify America’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Investment Plan. More information can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Building Standards for New Construction

Twenty percent of parking spaces at all newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily residences with five or more units, and mixed-use developments must have the electrical capacity to support Level 2 EV chargers. New residential construction must be able to support the installation of one Level 2 EV chargers.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 455.417)

Zero-Emission Buses Support

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Public Utility Commission (PUC), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Department of Education, was directed to develop tools and provide assistance for school districts considering zero-emission bus options when replacing school buses.

ODOT, with ODOE, PUC, and DEQ, developed tools and best practices to help transit agencies when making decisions about using zero-emission buses in transit fleets. ODOT also worked with transit agencies, ODOE, DEQ, and the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division to access the environmental, public health, and financial benefits of an accelerated transition to zero-emission buses. For more information, see ODOE’s Guide to School Bus Electrification and the ODOT Transit Fleet Electrification website.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).

In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.

For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.

Establishment of Recognition Programs for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must provide Governor’s Awards for automobile dealerships to encourage sales of EVs. ODOE must also provide Governor’s Awards for businesses and organizations that support EV adoption through installing charging infrastructure and using EVs in their fleets. More information, including nomination forms, can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Vehicle Efficiency Fees

All-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $115 or a per-mile road use fee of $0.02 per mile through the OReGo program. Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must pay an annual fee in the following amounts:

These fees are in addition to standard registration fees. Drivers with EVs or vehicles with ratings over 40 mpg are exempt from additional registration fees if they enroll in the OReGo program. For more information, including how to apply, visit the OReGo program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 803.420-803.422)

State Agency Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Installation

State agencies may install publicly accessible EV chargers on their premises or contract with a vendor to do so. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will establish criteria to determine the appropriate number of locations for EV chargers at each agency. A state agency may establish and adjust a uniform price for charging, provided that the price recovers, to the extent practicable, the cost of operating the EV charger and does not exceed 110% of the average market price for the use of public EV chargers. DAS reported to the Legislative Assembly on the number, cost, and utilization of EV chargers installed by state agencies in February 2019, February 2021, and February 2023.

DAS must add electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity for employee and public visitor parking lots, develop contracts to procure and install charging infrastructure, and incorporate EV charging as a tenant improvement for state-leased buildings.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 276.255 and Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Public Utility Definition

A corporation, company, partnership, individual or association of individuals that supplies electricity for use in motor vehicles is not defined as a public utility.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statues 757.005)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Certification

EV chargers that are funded or authorized by an Oregon state agency must be installed by a licensed contractor that holds either an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification or equivalent training program certification. This requirement does not apply to EV chargers installed at single-family dwellings, townhouses, or multifamily housing with four or fewer residential units. Additional requirements apply.

The Oregon Electrical and Elevator Board may audit EVITP to ensure that it includes the most current national electrical codes and best practices for the installation of EV chargers.

(Reference Senate Bill 582, 2023)

Transportation Electrification Acceleration Programs

The Oregon Public Utility Commission must direct electric utilities to file applications for programs to accelerate transportation electrification. Eligible programs include investments in or customer rebates for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Among other criteria, programs must stimulate innovation, competition, and customer choice in EV chargers and EV charging.

Additionally, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must engage with publicly and investor-owned utilities on how to improve transportation electrification plans and increase EV adoption in their service territories. ODOE must also provide the utilities with technical assistance on how to accommodate increased electric system loads from EVs.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017 and Oregon Revised Statues 757.357)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Regulations

Regulated electric utilities must provide customers with a choice of flat rate or time of use electricity rates specific to EV owners. Investor-owned utilities may own and operate EV charging equipment using its own funds or petition the Oregon Public Utilities Commission for rate recovery.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.005 and Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Order No. 12-013, 2012)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies for Rental Properties

The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV chargers for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charger installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charger and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV chargers installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charger is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 90.462)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policies for Associations

The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV charging stations for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charging station installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charging station and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV charging stations installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charging station is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 94.762 and 100.627)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Space Regulation

An individual is not allowed to park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for public parking and fueling of AFVs unless the motor vehicle is an AFV. Eligible AFVs must also be in the process of fueling or charging to park in the space. A person found responsible for a violation is subject to traffic violation penalties.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 811.587)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Oregon joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) charger and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.

In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:

• Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
• Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
• Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
• Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
• Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

Clean Transportation Fuel Standards

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the Oregon Clean Fuels Program (Program), which requires fuel producers and importers to register, keep records of, and report the volumes and carbon intensities of the fuels they provide in Oregon. Phase 2 of the Program, implemented in 2016, requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels.

In 2022, a new goal was implemented to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels by 20% below 2015 levels by 2030, and 37% below 2015 levels by 2035.

DEQ must conduct rulemaking for the Program to support greater electric vehicle (EV) adoption. DEQ must also develop a method to aggregate and monetize all eligible EV credits in the Program to assist in achieving the state goal of 250,000 registered EVs in Oregon by 2025. For more information, see the DEQ Oregon Clean Fuels Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.266, Oregon Administrative Rules 340-253, and Permanent Administrative Order DEQ 17-2022)

Public Electric Utility Cost Recovery Authorization

A public electric utility may seek cost recovery from retail electricity consumers for transportation electrification infrastructure.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)

Public Natural Gas Utility Cost Recovery Authorization

A public natural gas utility may seek cost recovery from retail natural gas customers for infrastructure investments that supports alternative fuel vehicles powered by renewable natural gas or hydrogen.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.398)

Renewable Fuels Mandate

All gasoline sold in the state must be blended with at least 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or above is exempt from this mandate, as is gasoline sold for use in certain non-road applications. Gasoline that contains at least 9.2% agriculturally derived ethanol that meets ASTM Standard D4806 complies with the mandate. For the purpose of the mandate, ethanol must meet ASTM Standard D4806. The governor may suspend the renewable fuels mandate for ethanol if the Oregon Department of Energy finds that a sufficient amount of ethanol is not available.

All diesel fuel sold in the state must be blended with at least 5% biodiesel (B5). For the purpose of this mandate, biodiesel is defined as a motor vehicle fuel derived from vegetable oil, animal fat, or other non-petroleum resources, that is designated as B100 and complies with ASTM Standard D6751. Renewable diesel qualifies as a substitute for biodiesel in the blending requirement. In addition, diesel fuel blends sold between October 1 and February 28 may contain additives to prevent congealing or gelling. At any time, the Oregon Department of Energy may request a certificate of fuel analysis for biodiesel sold at any non-retail and wholesale biodiesel dealer.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 646.913 through 646.923 and Oregon Administrative Rules 603-027-0410 and 603-027-0420)

Propane License Requirement

Any individual or business doing propane work in Oregon must obtain a license from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. For additional information on license types, see the Liquefied Petroleum Gas website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 480.432)

Commercial Vehicle Idle Reduction Requirement

A driver of a commercial vehicle may not idle the engine for more than five minutes in any sixty-minute period, unless the vehicle is using an auxiliary power unit, generator set, cargo temperature control unit, or other idle reduction technology that maintains heat or air conditioning or provides electrical power. Exceptions apply in certain situations and for certain vehicles.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 825.605 through 825.610)

Biodiesel Quality Testing Procedures

Each biodiesel or other renewable diesel producer, distributor, or importer must retain the certificate of analysis for each batch or production lot of B100 sold or delivered in the state for at least one year. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) or authorized agents may examine these records as necessary. The ODA or authorized agents may also perform on-site testing or obtain samples of biodiesel or other renewable diesel from any producer, bulk facility, or retail location that sells, distributes, transports, hauls, delivers, or stores biodiesel or other renewable diesel. The related testing cost is the responsibility of the business providing the sample.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 646.923)

Biofuels Program Impact Studies

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must conduct periodic impact studies related to the biofuels industry in the state. These studies should evaluate such criteria as: jobs created; current and projected feedstock availability; amount of biofuels blends produced and consumed in the state; cost comparison of biofuels blends and petroleum fuel; environmental impacts; and the extent to which Oregon producers import biofuels or biofuels feedstocks from outside the state. ODOE issued the first Biofuels Impact Study in 2010 and will conduct a study every two years through January 1, 2025.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 469B.400)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Requirements and Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards

Under the Oregon LEV Program, all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles sold, leased, licensed, or delivered for sale in the state must meet California motor vehicle emissions and compliance requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. Exemptions may apply. Manufacturers must meet the greenhouse gas emissions standard and the ZEV production and sales requirements. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must work with the Environmental Quality Commission to maintain consistency with California’s zero ZEV regulation, including any ZEV sales requirement increases. DEQ must also work with the Oregon Department of Justice and take appropriate steps to retain California’s exemption for vehicle standards that are more protective of air quality under the Federal Clean Air Act.

In December 2022, Oregon adopted the California vehicle emissions standards and compliance requirements set forth in the California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. These new emissions standards and requirements will begin with model year 2026 and require that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in Oregon must be ZEVs by 2035.

For more information, see the Oregon Clean Car Standards website.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017, Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.360, and Oregon Administrative Rules 340-257)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition (AFV) and Fuel Use Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2025, all new light-duty state agency fleet vehicle purchases or leases must be all-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to the maximum extent possible. If purchasing or leasing these vehicles is not feasible, state agencies may purchase or lease light-duty AFVs or qualifying low-emission vehicles. Each state agency must develop and report a greenhouse gas reduction baseline and annual reduction targets to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Reports to DAS must include the number of purchases or leases of ZEVs, AFVs, and AFV conversions and the quantity of each type of alternative fuel used annually by state agency fleets.

(Reference Executive Order 20-04, 2020 and Oregon Revised Statutes 267.030 and 283.327)

State Emissions Reductions and Reporting Requirements

Oregon will pursue transportation electrification as part of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of at least 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Select state agencies must report actions to reduce emissions annually. The Oregon Department of Transportation published a report on statewide transportation electrification infrastructure analysis with updates in August 2022. Additional requirements apply.

(Reference Executive Order 20-04, 2020)

Low-Speed Vehicle and Medium-Speed Electric Vehicle (EV) Access to Roadways

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle capable of reaching speeds of more than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph. A medium-speed EV is defined as a four-wheeled electric motor vehicle that is equipped with a roll cage or a crushproof body design and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. A medium-speed EV may not operate on a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 45 mph. A city or county may adopt ordinances that allow the operation of low-speed vehicles or medium-speed EVs on city streets or county roads that have posted speed limits greater than 35 mph and 45 mph, respectively. Low-speed vehicles and medium-speed EVs must comply with certain standards contained in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 801.331, 801.341, and 811.512-811.513 and Oregon Administrative Rules 737-010-0010)

Alternative Fuel Excise Tax

Compressed natural gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 123.57 cubic feet. Liquefied petroleum gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 1.353 gallons. Hydrogen motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per kilogram. Liquefied natural gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 1.71 gallons.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 319.530)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Authorization at State Parks

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department allows the installation and use of state-owned public EV chargers at parking spaces on state park property. EV charger installations may be paid for through the Parks and Recreation Transportation Electrification Fund.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)