Oregon

VW-NGV-soltution

Plan Details

The Oregon Legislature in 2017 authorized a focused project list looking only to upgrade or replace at least 450 older diesel school buses.  The DEQ accordingly issued a notice in May 2018 indicating that its plan is to target the replacement or upgrade of at least 450 school buses. Of the 2800 or so diesel school buses older than model year 2007 the DEQ determined that there would still be 450 buses remaining in 2025 after normal turnover had occurred. This funding is meant to facilitate the change out of these remaining buses. As per the direction in statute, buses were randomly selected among public and private school fleets operating in the state. This project will take about $18-20 million of the $72.9 allocation to the state of Oregon. DEQ anticipates the Oregon Legislature in the 2019 legislative session will consider authorizing additional priorities for the remaining funds. There will be opportunities for your involvement in this priority setting process both in the legislative and administrative realms.

Funding allocations:

25% - School bus program

75% - Flexible funding

DEQ Rulemaking – Advisory Committee Meeting

House Bill 2007 (2019) authorized the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules to implement an expanded diesel emissions reduction program with Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement funds. The Oregon DEQ proposes to complete a rulemaking for the grant program to specify application requirements, project selection criteria, and other requirements included in statute. The DEQ is now accepting public comments on the proposed rule changes to implement funding for the Volkswagen Settlement funds.  Submit a comment via email.  The comment period closes on Oct. 22, 2020, at 4 p.m.  For more information, see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Draft Rules, which includes the public notice, proposed rules and any supporting documents.  The notice indicates that the plan is to award approximately 1/5th of available funding during each of five consecutive calendar years beginning in 2021 and ending in 2025. The rules establish eligible project types and reimbursement amounts based equipment, project, and ownership. Vehicles subject to HB 2007 deadlines, including nonroad construction equipment subject to new state contracting standards, are a priority for retrofit, repower, and replacement with support from VW funds.

A Public Hearing will be held on Oct. 19, 2020, 10 a.m.  The hearing is a webinar and teleconference only.  Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5667547444431577612.

Where to Send Comments

Comments may be submitted by email to ORVWMP@deq.state.or.us or by mail to:

Kevin Downing
OR DEQ
700 NE Multnomah St. Suite 600
Portland, OR 97232

NGVAmerica
Comment Letter

Member Support
Letter

Webinars, Meetings, Workshops

Informational
Website

Legislative Proposals