Oregon’s Clean Trucks Rules Hit the Road—Then Stall Under Federal Pressure

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Oregon recently adopted bold GHG emission standards targeting medium- and heavy-duty trucks, aligning with California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rules. But now it’s stuck in reverse gear—delaying enforcement amid manufacturer pushback, budget gaps, and federal rollback efforts.

1. What Oregon’s Clean Trucks Rules Say

Scope & Goals: Requires manufacturers to gradually increase annual sales of electric medium/heavy-duty trucks starting in model year 2025. It doesn’t ban diesel sales but mandates specific zero-emission percentages
Climate Solutions
+6
sdao.com
+6
opb
+6
.

Flexibility built in: DEQ added a 3-year compliance buffer, credit banking/trading, and plug-in hybrid inclusion
sdao.com
.

California link: Oregon uses the federal Clean Air Act’s Section 177 to mirror California's Advanced Clean Trucks standards
Willamette Week
+6
opb
+6
National Law Review
+6
.

2. Enforcement Delayed—Why the Pause?

DEQ froze enforcement for 2025–2026 following heavy backlash from manufacturers and legislators
Portland Mercury
+2
Willamette Week
+2
Climate Solutions
+2
.

DEQ Director Leah Feldon cited lack of federal backing, market instability, and manufacturers like Daimler halting diesel sales to avoid non-compliance
Oregon
+4
Willamette Week
+4
opb
+4
.

Governor Kotek criticized federal delays in funding electric truck charging infrastructure, saying:

“Oregon is not seeing these obligated funds come through.”
Climate Solutions
+3
Willamette Week
+3
Portland Mercury
+3

3. Federal Rollbacks: The Bigger Threat

In May, Congress and federal Republicans moved to revoke California’s vehicle standards waiver, undermining Oregon’s legal foundation
opb
+1
Climate Solutions
+1
.

Numerous states—including Oregon—are considering legal action. A multi-state coalition supports continued clean vehicle commitments .

Impact: Without waivers, states lose authority to implement stricter-than-federal rules. Biden-era EPA rollbacks on clean vehicle policy add complexity
Oregon
+3
opb
+3
climate-xchange.org
+3
.

4. Stakeholders’ Views: Who’s Backing Who?

Manufacturers & Trucking Groups: Claim standards are unrealistic given EV costs, limited range, and lack of infrastructure. Daimler even halted diesel sales in protest
opb
.

Environmentalists & Public Health Advocates: Decry delays:

“Delaying Oregon’s clean truck rules is not just a policy decision—it’s a public health failure. Diesel pollution… harms children, seniors, communities of color.” — Mary Peveto, Neighbors For Clean Air
Portland Mercury
Oregon
+3
Climate Solutions
+3
Portland Mercury
+3

DEQ & Governor’s Office: Pushing pause to “maintain integrity” while waiting for federal funding and market readiness .

5. Why This Matters—For Communities & Truckers

Public Health: Diesel pollution contributes to cancer, heart disease, asthma—and disproportionately affects vulnerable neighborhoods .

Market Signaling: The delay means OEMs and fleets may slow investment in clean trucks and charging infrastructure—delaying emissions cuts and cost savings .

States’ Rights Battle: Oregon is a frontline in a national fight over whether states can set stricter-than-federal vehicle standards .

Bottom Line

Oregon's Clean Trucks rules had real potential to drive significant emissions reduction—but instead, bureaucracy, industry resistance, and federal interference have stalled progress. Here’s what to watch:

Political Impact: Will Oregon’s Legislature or governor step in to secure clean air where federal support fails?

Legal Outcome: Can states defend the right to adopt California-style standards without waiver?

Market Follow-through: Will manufacturers continue to invest in EV trucks and fueling systems, or backpedal under uncertainty?

For Truckers & Fleets

Be aware: EV mandates may still return if states fight back or federal administration shifts.

Prepare: Start planning infrastructure and tech upgrades now—don’t wait for regulations.

Engage: Speak up locally—public demand can influence policy and funding decisions.