Low Emission Vehicles

On April 21, 2011 the EQC adopted updates to Oregon's Low Emission Vehicle Rules.

Under the Clean Air Act, only California is allowed to set vehicle emission limits that are tighter than federal standards. However, after such standards are adopted, Oregon and other states may opt in to the same requirements. Oregon first adopted California Low Emission Vehicle standards in 2005 at the request of former Governor Kulongoski to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of new light duty cars and trucks sold in Oregon.

Program Background

In December 2005, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) adopted rules to establish the Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) program. Oregon was the 11th state to adopt California's strict emission standards for new vehicles.

Oregon's LEV requirements reduce pollution in several ways. The rules decrease emissions that cause ground-level ozone, promote zero-emission vehicles and reduce greenhouse gases. The program applies only to new cars and trucks (vehicles with fewer than 7500 miles) and began with the 2009 model year. When the rules take full effect in model year 2016 they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% and substantially improve fuel efficiency.

• Oregon Low Emission Vehicle Rules
  The official rule requirements
• Fact Sheet: Low Emission Vehicles Program
• EQC Agenda April 2011 (agenda item C)
  • Oregon Low Emission Vehicle Program rules
• EQC Agenda June 2006 (agenda item H)
  Documents related to the legal adoption of these rules
• Governor's Vehicle Emission Workgroup Report to the Governor
  Issues raised during the development of Oregon's LEV rules
• DEQ’s Advancing Technology webpage
  Learn more about technology used to reduce vehicle emissions.

For more information about Low Emission Vehicles, please see these Reference Materials.

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