About Oregon’s Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program

Oregon’s Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program requires diesel vehicles to meet certain emission standards, which vary depending on the vehicle’s weight, age, and usage. The goal of the program is to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions produced by diesel engines, which are major contributors to air pollution and have negative health impacts.
One aspect of the program is the requirement for retrofitting older diesel vehicles with emission-reduction technology. This can include adding diesel particulate filters (DPFs), diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), or other emission control devices to existing vehicles. The program provides financial incentives to help offset the cost of retrofitting, making it more accessible to vehicle owners.

Program Benefits

Oregon’s Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program has significant benefits, including reducing the impact of diesel emissions on public health and the environment. However, retrofitting a diesel engine can be expensive, especially for small businesses and municipalities. Therefore, the DEQ’s Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program provides grant funding to support the purchase of retrofit systems, as well as cleaner-burning engines and diesel equipment replacements. Eligible vehicle owners can receive grant funding that covers up to 100% of the retrofit cost.

Important Deadlines

However, it is important to note that some deadlines for compliance have already passed. For example, as of January 1st, 2023, owners of 1996 or older diesel vehicles may not be able to register their vehicles unless they have been retrofitted to comply with emission standards.

By January 1st, 2025, medium-duty trucks manufactured before 2009 and heavy-duty trucks manufactured before 2006 must comply with emission standards to be registered. Otherwise, they won’t be eligible for registration.

• The medium-duty category encompasses box trucks, flatbeds, and service trucks with a GVWR between 14,001 to 26,000 lbs.

• Heavy-duty vehicles such as tractor-trailer trucks have a GVWR exceeding 26,000 lbs.

Hence, it’s crucial to plan and ensure compliance before the deadline if you own a truck in these categories.

The Retrofit Process

DES Portland will assess your vehicle and determine which retrofit system is best suited to it. Once the retrofit system is installed, the application for DEQ certification is submitted, which shows that the retrofit meets the requirement of at least an 85% reduction of emissions. After receiving electronic DEQ certification, vehicle owners can renew their registration with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)..

At Diesel Emissions Services (DES), we have a proven track record of installing over 18,000 retrofits across the US, including California. Our Portland, OR location is fully equipped with a DPF cleaning facility and a comprehensive inventory of aftertreatment parts to service emissions systems.

Our experienced retrofit installers have the knowledge and equipment to cater to all your retrofit needs. We take pride in serving heavy-duty diesel fleets and equipment operators in Oregon to help create a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come.

Take Action Sooner Than Later

To avoid any last-minute rush and potential non-compliance, it is recommended to start the process of scheduling your retrofit as soon as possible. It is important to keep in mind that the DEQ certification process can take up to three months, so do not wait until the deadline is near to begin the process.

Taking timely action will give you the necessary buffer time to complete the retrofit process and avoid any penalties for non-compliance.

Be Proactive!

The Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program in Oregon is an important initiative that aims to reduce harmful emissions from diesel vehicles and improve air quality in the state. While some compliance deadlines have already passed, there are still opportunities to retrofit older diesel vehicles to comply with emission standards. It is important to stay up to date with the program’s requirements and deadlines and take proactive steps to ensure that your diesel vehicle is compliant.

If you own a medium-duty truck older than 2009 or a heavy-duty truck older than 2006, make sure to take action now to meet the upcoming 2025 deadline.

By doing so, you can help contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Don’t wait to begin the process! Scheduling your retrofit can take time, and DEQ can take up to three months to provide certification.

Key dates for 2023 for grant funding:

We are honored to assist heavy-duty diesel fleets and equipment operators in the State of Oregon to help improve air quality and the environment for future generations.

Diesel Emissions Services (DES) has the expertise, diesel technicians, and facilities to successfully install your fleet’s retrofits. We’ve installed well over 18k retrofits in California and across the United States. We have relationships with a wide range of approved retrofit suppliers.

Our Portland, OR location also features a complete DPF Cleaning facility and a full inventory of aftertreatment parts for servicing your emissions systems for years to come.

CAC Retrofit Assessment Voucher Program

One way to comply with Clean Air Construction requirements is to install and maintain an engine retrofit. Retrofitting may be appropriate for older equipment with engines manufactured 10-15 years ago or more. For some equipment, a retrofit can be very effective at reducing diesel emissions from engine exhaust.

Who can apply for a retrofit assessment voucher?

COBID-certified or small construction firms that currently perform work as a subcontractor or a prime contractor with an agency in the Clean Air Construction Collaborative may apply.

A voucher provided by the Clean Air Construction Program covers the cost of the retrofit assessment.

What does the retrofit assessment provide?

An assessment is the first step to determine if engine retrofit is a suitable solution for a particular vehicle/piece of equipment. If a retrofit is suitable, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) may be recommended, and associated costs will be outlined.

In some cases, the assessment may find that retrofit is not suitable. If this is the case, the Clean Air Construction program will help you identify other compliance pathways.

Who conducts the retrofit assessment?

Engine retrofit specialists at Diesel Emissions Service (DES) provide this service in the voucher program. Diesel Emissions Service is a leader in the application of retrofit technologies and has installed over 18,000 emission control devices since 2006. DES is authorized by manufacturers to do this work for all major makes/models of nonroad and on-road diesel vehicles/equipment.

Why is Oregon phasing out older diesel engines?

Even though diesel emission-reducing technology has improved in the last few decades, the state of Oregon is still seeing significant pollution from older on-road diesel engines. One method to reduce these harmful emissions includes the installation of appropriate retrofit technology. Retrofits are aftermarket systems that are installed on a vehicle to reduce pollution from diesel engines.

HB 2007 (2019)

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature responded to these concerns and passed HB 2007 (2019) to reduce diesel emissions in Oregon. The bill requires DEQ to approve retrofit systems for use in medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines, including box trucks and tractor trailers, and to create a method for issuing certifications of compliance.

It also establishes deadlines for older diesel engines after which they cannot be titled or registered in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

Lastly, the bill establishes renewal, registration, and titling phase-out dates, as well as exemptions on certain vehicles.

Which vehicles are affected by this program?

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with a 1996 or older engine model year are subject to the phase-out date of January 1st, 2023. That means they will not be able to be registered in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties without an approved retrofit emissions system.

The engine model year is on the vehicle emission label. Contact a local engine dealer or the manufacturer to get a replacement label if it’s missing or illegible. Typically, the engine model year is one year older than the chassis model year. For example, a 1997 vehicle typically has a 1996 model year engine installed.

The two vehicle weight classifications categorized in HB 2007 (2019) are:

1. Medium-duty with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,001 – 26,000 lbs. (box trucks, flatbeds, service trucks)

2. Heavy-duty with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 lbs. (tractor-trailer trucks)

How much does a retrofit cost?

Retrofits can cost a lot but there are ways that businesses and municipalities in Oregon can get help. HB 2007 (2019) authorized DEQ’s Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program to provide grant funding, subject to availability, to support the purchase of retrofit systems, as well as cleaner burning engines and diesel equipment replacements.

Vehicle owners who apply and are awarded the grant funding will be eligible for up to 100% of the retrofit cost. It’s estimated that DEQ will have approximately $8 million available each year until at least 2026.

How does the retrofit process work?

STEP 1: Contact DES Portland.

We have completed over 18,000 retrofits, so we know what we’re doing! We’ll go over what type of retrofit system is right for your vehicle and will get you in compliance with the state of Oregon. Our retrofit systems are EPA and CARB verified.

STEP 2: Retrofit installation & certification

We install your retrofit system, and you submit your application for DEQ certification. The certification shows that your retrofit meets their requirement of at least 85% reduction of emissions.

STEP 3: Registration

Once you receive your electronic DEQ certification, you can renew your registration with ODOT.

Don’t wait to begin the process! Scheduling your retrofit can take time, and DEQ can take up to three months to provide certification.

Key dates for 2023 for grant funding:

Graphic from Oregon DEQ Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program page

Diesel Emissions Services (DES) has successfully installed well over 15k retrofits in California and across the United States. Our Portland OR location has a complete DPF Cleaning facility and a full inventory of aftertreatment parts for servicing emissions systems. We have the equipment, expertise, and experienced retrofit installers for whatever you need.

We are honored to assist heavy-duty diesel fleets and equipment operators in the State of Oregon to help improve air quality and the environment for future generations.

What is the One-time Fleet Reporting Requirement?

The one-time reporting requirement is for fleets and businesses that operate or direct the movement of on-road vehicles in Oregon. This applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 lbs., which includes most trucks, buses, and delivery vans.

Why do fleets need to report?

The one-time fleet reporting requirement is part of Oregon’s Clean Trucks Rule, adopted in November 2021. The rule was designed to lower emissions by encouraging manufacturers to sell more zero-emissions vehicles. By collecting data from fleets, the DEQ will better be able to create policies and recommendations to encourage lowering emissions.

Who is affected by the One-Time Fleet Reporting Requirement?

You must report if you are a fleet owner, business, government agency, municipality, or broker with on-road vehicles over 8,500 lbs. GVWR, if in 2021 your entity operated a facility in Oregon and meets any of the following criteria:

• Had gross annual revenues greater than $50 million in the U.S. for the 2021 tax year, including revenues from all subsidiaries, subdivisions, or branches, and had one or more vehicles under common ownership or control that were operated in Oregon in 2021.

• Any fleet owner in the 2021 calendar year that had five or more vehicles under common ownership or control.

• Any broker or entity that dispatched five or more vehicles into or throughout Oregon in the 2021 calendar year.

• Any Oregon government agency, including all state and local municipalities, that had five or more vehicles that were operated in Oregon in 2021

• Any federal government agency that had five or more vehicles that were operated in Oregon in 2021.

When is the One-Time Fleet Reporting form due?

Fleets must submit their reporting form by June 30, 2022. The form is an Excel document with three sheets of in-depth reporting information, so don’t wait until the last minute!

Where do I download the form?

Go to https://www.oregon.gov/deq/aq/programs/Pages/mdhdreporting.aspx and download the reporting form. Once complete, email it to mhd.fleetrporting@deq.oregon.gov.

Diesel Emissions Services (DES) has successfully installed well over 15k retrofits in California and across the United States. Our Portland OR location has a complete DPF Cleaning facility and a full inventory of aftertreatment parts for servicing emissions systems. We have the equipment, expertise, and experienced retrofit installers for whatever you need.

We are honored to assist heavy-duty diesel fleets and equipment operators in the State of Oregon to help improve air quality and the environment for future generations.