Diesel

• Recovery Act Dollars Jump-Start Clean Diesel
• Diesel - Why It's a Problem
• Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative

News

Recovery Act Dollars Jump-Start Clean Diesel

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded DEQ $1.73 million in June 2009 to retrofit heavy duty diesel engines in public fleets, transit buses and off-road construction equipment in the Portland metropolitan area and Lane County (see news release below). The funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  
 
EPA also announced an award of $498,726 to the City of Portland, made in January 2009. This grant will reduce diesel emissions from off-road construction equipment in Portland and Multnomah County and is an example of the type of retrofit project the Recovery Act funds catalyze.
 
These grants assist Oregon’s Clean Diesel Initiative to reduce harmful diesel emissions by retrofitting vehicles and equipment with state-of-the art technology. Ultimately, these projects will improve public health and help stimulate the green technology sector of Oregon’s economy.

• News Release

Funding Closed: Recovery Act Funding (National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program) has been awarded as of June, 2009. Feel free to contact Shelley Matthews (503-229-6457) at DEQ after August, 2009 for information about future funding or help in completing the application form for Oregon-based projects. In the meantime, contact Shelly for assistance in developing projects or for general information about grant funding. 

Diesel - Why It's a Problem

Diesel is the dominant fuel used by the commercial transportation sector. Diesel engines offer fuel economy, power and durability. In the United States approximately 94% of all freight is moved by diesel engines. Diesel engines also power most non-road equipment as used in the construction, agricultural, marine and locomotive sectors.

While the operational advantages of diesel are clear, diesel engines emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and toxic air pollutants. Diesel exhaust contains dozens of toxic substances but one of the leading concerns is the particulate matter which is toxic and very small in size (< 2.5 microns - a typical human hair is 70 microns). The small size makes it highly breathable to the deepest part of the lungs. These ultra-fine particles are also known to attract other toxic substances in the air increasing its toxicity.
 
Increasing studies link diesel particulate matter to serious public health impacts from aggravating asthma to heart and lung problems to cancer and premature mortality. Diesel exhaust also has environmental significance as a global warming contributor. It also adds to visibility impairment and regional haze. Oregonians have an increased risk for these and other health effects at present levels of exposure in everyday life-around 13 times above public health benchmarks. Federal regulations and cleaner fuels are addressing diesel exhaust over time, but existing diesel engines will continue to pollute for another 30 years before they are removed from service.

Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative

To address the concerns of diesel pollution, DEQ formed the Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative, a progressive, non-regulatory approach focused on accelerating the benefits of a clean diesel strategy, including financial assistance (tax credits).  Most recently, a Clean Diesel Recognition Program has been developed, giving fleets well deserved recognition for taking steps to voluntarily reduce their diesel exhaust.

• Fact Sheet: Burn Cleaner Fuel  PDF

Please see the left navigation bar at the top of this page for more Clean Diesel program links.

Contact information:

• Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative (includes technical assistance). Contact Kevin Downing at 503-229-6549
• Financial Incentives: Shelley Matthews at 503-229-6457
• Clean Diesel Recognition Program: Kathleen Cochrun at 503-229-6833.