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​DEQ's mission is to be a leader in restoring, maintaining and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land and water.

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DEQ's vehicle inspection program gets record high marks from customers

You might think customers grumble when they drive their car into one of DEQ’s vehicle inspection stations – it’s time out of their day, after all, and it costs money. But think again. Over the past three months, surveys show a stunning 98.8 percent customer satisfaction with the Vehicle Inspection Program.

That’s an all-time high for the program, and one that would be the envy of any governmental or private organization.


As one driver wrote on the survey card: “Friendly. Upbeat…went smoothly and efficiently.” That was after giving the station all 5s – the highest rating.

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Oregon DEQ releases wildfire smoke trends report for 2020

The number of unhealthy air quality days caused by wildfires are increasing across Oregon. In 2020, those living here experienced the worst air quality ever recorded in the state.

These conclusions come from Oregon DEQ's recently released “Wildfire Smoke Trends and the Air Quality Index" report, which tracks wildfire-related air quality trends in 24 Oregon communities. It uses information from DEQ's Air Quality Index, which calculates potential health impacts from the primary pollutant in wildfire smoke known as fine particulate matter, or PM 2.5. These very small particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause coughing, chest pain and asthma attacks, and can increase risks for heart and lung disease.

“Wildfires are becoming larger and more frequent across the Western U.S., which is causing more smoky days with poor air quality,” said Ali Mirzakhalili, DEQ’s Air Quality Division administrator. “Increasing wildfire smoke from Oregon, as well as California, Idaho, Washington and even British Columbia, means more communities across the state are now experiencing higher concentrations of PM 2.5.”​

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