As diesel emission-reducing technology has improved over the years, 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. The technologies are aftermarket systems installed on a vehicle and designed to reduce diesel pollution. The 2019 Oregon Legislature responded to these concerns and passed HB 2007 (2019) to reduce diesel emissions across the state. Among other directives, HB 2007 (2019) requires DEQ to establish allowable retrofit technologies for diesel engines that power certain on-road vehicles and the manner for issuing a certificate of compliance. The bill also establishes deadlines, codified in ODOT statute, after which certain older model diesel engine vehicles cannot be titled or registered in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties. The two vehicle weight classifications categorized in HB 2007 (2019) include medium-duty with gross vehicle weight rating of 14,001 – 26,000 lbs. (such as certain box trucks, flatbed or service trucks) and heavy-duty with a gross vehicle weight rating of over 26,000 lbs. (such as tractor-trailer trucks).
Registration renewal and diesel vehicle exemption questions can be addressed by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) or Oregon Commerce and Compliance Division (CCD) based on the gross vehicle weight rating and linked below. The gross vehicle weight rating means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum design loaded weight of a vehicle.
- DMV: Medium-duty (14,001 - 26,000 lbs.) call DMV Customer Assistance at 503-945-5000.
More information
In preparation of submitting the online application, there are several steps vehicle owners will need to complete. Below is a checklist and summary of the application process.
Step 1:
After completion of the vehicle retrofit installation, Oregon DEQ requires the following documents to be ready prior to submitting the application. The Signature of Attestation will need to be completed and signed by the registered owner or authorized representative. The installer will also need to sign the Installer Certification Section. The other documents listed below should be provided by the installer.
Step 2:
Please ensure the following requirements have been prepared by the authorized installer:
- Manufacturer/Installer pre-assessment form
- Documentation and pictures supporting labeling requirements of retrofit system
- Copy of warranty agreement between installer and owner
Step 3:
Please contact the Retrofit Compliance Program for information about the Approved Retrofit Technology application by email: diesel.retrofitcompliance@deq.oregon.gov
Forms:
The Environmental Protection Agency, and California's Air Resource Board, maintain lists of currently verified retrofit technologies for on-road diesel engines, proven to achieve at least an 85% reduction in diesel particulate matter. Currently verified EPA or CARB retrofit technologies, otherwise known as diesel particulate filter or DPF systems, may qualify as Approved Retrofit Technology for Oregon's Retrofit Compliance Program. To meet the criteria for Approved Retrofit Technology, DEQ will need to verify that the technology meets the following:
- The new equipment is manufactured for installation on an on-road diesel engine and compatible with the medium- or heavy-duty truck;
- Provides at least 85% reduction of diesel particulate matter and currently verified by EPA or CARB;
- Installed by an installer authorized by the Approved Retrofit Technology manufacturer;
- Has a valid manufacturer's warranty; and
- Complies with labeling and inspection requirements.
The Environmental Quality Commission, Oregon DEQ's formal policy and rulemaking body, adopted the Diesel Retrofit Compliance rules on July 23, 2021. The rules provide additional details and clarity to the direction provided in
HB 2007 (2019) related to approved retrofit technologies and program implementation. They establish the criteria for approved retrofit technologies for on-road diesel engines, the manner by which Oregon DEQ will certify them and the verification required to ensure continued certification for those technologies. The certificate of retrofit compliance, issued by DEQ, would allow the owner to renew or title a vehicle per the Oregon Vehicle Code found in Oregon Department of Transportation Statute
Chapter 803. Please visit the DEQ rulemaking page below for more information regarding the adopted rule.
Please follow the links provided to find the diesel retrofit compliance rules:
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 technology cost. DEQ intends to have approximately $8 million available each year beginning in 2021 with a target of providing at least five years of funding based on available revenue. Please refer to our Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants web page for key dates and more detailed information.