We did it! Climate Solutions and the Clean Cars Oregon Coalition are excited to let you know about the momentous victory that is a critical component for Oregon to reduce air pollution and help us meet the challenge of the climate crisis: earlier today, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission voted to pass the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule that will help us in our transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles!

Now here’s your chance to learn a bit more about it and get ready for a clean cars coast! 

What are the Advanced Clean Cars II Rules?

The Advanced Clean Cars II Rule will reduce tailpipe emissions standards from new passenger vehicles like cars, personal trucks, and SUVs being sold starting with the 2026 model year through 2035. All new cars sold in Oregon by 2035 will be zero-emission vehicles. These rules do not regulate existing used cars in the market. In short, this new rule will make it easier and more affordable for more folks all around the state to get electric vehicles faster–and no one is collecting your gas-powered vehicle, contrary to the disinformation campaign funded by the fossil fuel industry.

With the Clean Cars II Rule adopted, Oregon joins Washington and California to create an electric vehicle West Coast (#westcoastcleancoast #cleancarscoast)! Electric vehicles get us off the gas price swings and significantly cut our climate and air pollution–especially for low-income and Black Indigenous and people of color who live in communities disproportionately located next to highways and pollution corridors. This rule will also expand the new and used electric vehicle market, making this needed transition easier and more affordable for all.

Getting to 100% clean! 

Public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, expanded grid capacity, outreach on electric vehicle incentives, and education on electric vehicles, are all important investments that local organizations, state agencies, and all the way up to the federal government are working on to ensure that we are ready for a 100% clean car future!  

Here are some highlights about what’s coming our way with more EVs:

• The Department of Environmental Quality has established one of the best EV rebate programs in the country with up to $7,500 rebates for income-qualified Oregonians which will now be combined with a new federal tax credit (that will function as a voucher) meaning that qualified Oregonians will soon be able to take advantage of up to $15,000 off the cost of an EV at time of purchase.
• The Oregon Department of Transportation was just approved by the federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program to expand public charging infrastructure and they also committed $100 million to invest in public charging infrastructure funding, especially in underserved communities.
• The Oregon Department of Energy’s EV Dashboard service shows that no matter where you charge an EV in Oregon and no matter who your utility provider is, you will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by at least half.
• The Oregon Department of Energy has also demonstrated that as more Oregonians make the switch to EVs, utilities are already working on potential solutions to meet the increased demand.

Climate Solutions will be continuing working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation system by supporting the electrification of vehicles of all types and investments in infrastructure, public transit, and alternative modes of transportation!   Check out our resources to learn more, and join in the fun of sharing this news on social media with #westcoastcleancoast #CleanCarsCoast

Thank you for all your support in our work!