(1) As used in this section and ORS § 283.401, ‘zero-emission vehicle’ means a battery electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle or any type of vehicle defined by the State Department of Energy or the Environmental Quality Commission by rule as a ‘zero-emission vehicle’ if the vehicle’s type and fuel are consistent with the goals set forth in this section.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(2) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

(a) Motor vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution in this state.

(b) In 2018, the Oregon transportation sector was responsible for approximately 40 percent of this state’s greenhouse gas emissions, and light-duty vehicles were responsible for more than half of the transportation sector’s emissions.

(c) Motor vehicle emissions, especially greenhouse gases, are difficult to reduce and will rise over time if not limited by additional laws and regulations.

(d) Absent significant changes in the types of motor vehicles used by people and businesses in Oregon, the state will not meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set forth in ORS § 468A.205.

(e) In ORS § 757.357, the Legislative Assembly found that transportation electrification is necessary to reduce petroleum use, achieve optimum levels of energy efficiency and carbon reduction, meet federal and state air quality standards, meet this state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set forth in ORS § 468A.205 and improve the public health and safety.

(f) Existing federal and state incentives and programs are insufficient to transform the motor vehicle market on a timeline that will protect Oregonians from the worst impacts of global climate change.

(g) The purchase and ownership of zero-emission vehicles can reduce the overall energy costs paid by Oregon households and the specific costs associated with meeting transportation needs.

(h) A robust and well-operating market for zero-emission vehicles is essential to meeting this state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

(i) Certain residents and communities face greater barriers to purchasing or leasing zero-emission vehicles, and additional support and innovative solutions are necessary to ensure that all Oregon households benefit from transportation electrification.

(3) The Legislative Assembly declares the following goals:

(a) Transformation of the motor vehicle market must occur no later than 2035.

(b) Programs and support must be provided to accelerate Oregonians’ purchase and use of zero-emission vehicles until greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles are declining at a rate consistent with this state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set forth in ORS § 468A.205.

(c) The adoption and use of zero-emission vehicles must be evaluated regularly to determine whether the rate of the adoption and use of zero-emission vehicles will put the state on course to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

(4) To promote acquisition and use of zero-emission vehicles, all entities of the executive department, as defined in ORS § 174.112, shall lead by example by:

(a) Purchasing or leasing light-duty or medium-duty zero-emission vehicles, consistent with ORS § 283.327, when purchasing or leasing vehicles;

(b) Adopting policies and rules that promote the goals set forth in this section; and

(c) Considering recommendations submitted in the report required by ORS § 283.401 that relate to zero-emission vehicles and adopting the recommendations when feasible. [2019 c.565 § 1; 2021 c.97 § 22]

283.398 and 283.401 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 283 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

[1979 c.230 § 1; repealed by 1991 c.399 § 6]