Salem, Oregon – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has announced about $11.5 million in awards for its 2025 Clean Truck and Infrastructure Awards. This is another big step toward reducing diesel pollution across the state. The money will help pay for dozens of projects that will replace aging medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles, improve engines, and build more charging stations for zero-emission fleets.
DEQ officials said they looked at 60 competitive proposals this time and chose 43 projects from corporations, local governments, and equipment owners. Each authorized project is part of one of three statewide initiatives that aim to lower emissions from transportation, which is one of the main sources of air pollution in Oregon.
The Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust funds the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants Program, which gives a lot of money this year. There was more than $8 million available in 2025 to help buy cleaner types of diesel cars and equipment, including entirely electric ones, to replace older ones. The Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action Grant (CERTA) is also giving more than $20 million to the Clean Trucks program and Oregon’s Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Awards.
DEQ said that these expenditures will make it easier for companies to upgrade their fleets. Leah Feldon, the head of the DEQ, stressed that moving to cleaner technology takes preparation, money, and a long-term commitment.
“We understand it’s a significant undertaking to transition to cleaner diesel and zero-emissions vehicles. That’s why these grants are so valuable to the businesses and organizations wanting to overhaul their medium- and heavy-duty fleets,” said Oregon DEQ Director Leah Feldon.
“This funding brings beneficial resources to those committed to transitioning to cleaner, more efficient medium- and heavy-duty transportation. Projects funded from these grants enhance facility infrastructure and benefit surrounding communities.”
There are a number of initiatives that show how these grants will be used in different parts of the state. The Crook County Library in Prineville will get $650,000 to replace its diesel bookmobile with an all-electric one. This is a big change for a vehicle that regularly drives through rural areas. A local disposal company in Corvallis will spend $130,000 to get rid of a heavy-duty diesel garbage truck and put an electric one on the road. Central Electric Cooperative will use more than $82,000 in infrastructure money to put in a new fast charger for its Class 3 utility fleet in Bend. Donald-based Pacific Lumber wants to use over $245,000 in awarded money to establish two fast-charging stations.
More money will help projects in Eugene, Hood River, Lakeview, Philomath, Portland, Salem, Sherwood, and other places. These combined efforts should get rid of more than 25 tons of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter from Oregon’s air. These pollutants are known to cause respiratory problems and harm the ecosystem.
Once the projects are finished, beneficiaries can also get certified through DEQ’s Diesel Emissions Identification Program, which is a free service for companies who want to keep track of how their fleet’s emissions are changing.
DEQ noted that applications for federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants are still under review, with decisions to be issued according to federal schedules and available funds.
