DEQ uses a computer model to calculate air pollution from Mobile Sources. The model is the EPA's Motor Vehicles Emission Simulator (MOVES). For the computer model to work correctly it needs current data on the vehicles that operate in Oregon. Updated data for On Road vehicles is provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). These updates include vehicle type, age, and miles traveled. Current data for non-Road vehicles is from a 2020 survey of off-road, diesel-fired equipment (construction, farm, etc.). This Oregon survey provides real data on engine types and ages. DEQ provides this vehicle data to the EPA as part of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI) every three years.
Mobile Source air pollution estimates are also used by DEQ and ODOT to when making decisions on construction projects. The MOVES model can be run to provide air pollution estimates for specific projects. The Model can also be run to estimate pollution for specific counties or for individual cities or towns.
DEQ is also using MOVES to model Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in support of the Governor's Executive Order 20-04. This Order directs state agencies to take action to regulate and reduce GHG emissions. The goal of the Order is to reduce GHG emissions to 45% below 1990 emissions levels by 2035 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
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For more information contact James Powell