Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant

Oregon DEQ's pilot grant program for supporting medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure projects was established by the State Legislature in HB 5202 and HB 4139 (2022).

This one-time funding of approximately $15 million was intended to support grants to public or private entities for capital improvements and technical assistance to support the installation of charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Oregon DEQ funded projects that met criteria established by the Oregon Legislature and the agency through a competitive application and review process. The goal of this grant program was to accelerate Oregon's transition from older, more polluting vehicles and equipment to new zero-emission trucks, buses, heavy and medium-duty equipment. In addition, DEQ wanted to facilitate the development of a robust infrastructure to support a diverse range of Oregon fleets and fueling locations. Applicants were required to apply with comprehensive project plans for zero-emission fueling and request funding for the installation of the charging infrastructure and equipment.

The rolling application period ended on March 28, 2023 when project awards for the pilot were announced. All projects and fleets had to be based entirely in Oregon to ensure the air quality benefits of DEQ's investments accrued inside the state. 

DEQ's goal for this pilot program was to support a diverse range of Oregon fleets and fueling locations as they designed and built medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle and equipment fueling facilities of the future. Eligible expenses for Capital Improvement Grants included, but were not limited to, charging unit costs and utility improvements for the infrastructure site.

• Incentive amounts for the Capital Improvement Grants could make up to 80% of eligible project expenses for awarded projects and up to 100% for Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity projects. 
• Eligible expenses for the Technical Assistance Grants included utility site assessments and other planning services. 
• Incentive amounts for the Technical Assistance Grants were up to 50% of eligible project expenses for select applicants and up to 100% for COBID applicants.

DEQ opened the program for applications on Nov 15, 2022. Applicants for Capital Improvement grants had to establish clear project plans if they wished to receive funding. Electrifying a fleet of medium- or heavy-duty vehicles is a long-term effort requiring several layers of planning, analysis, investment, change management and maintenance. In addition to a detailed fleet transition plan, applicants had to complete site assessments with all relevant utilities and vendors to determine their fleet's needs and the viability of the required infrastructure. Finally, applicants included a detailed project timeline showing how each phase of planning leads to the next and to the ultimate delivery of zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure in Oregon.

The selected projects will cover fueling infrastructure and planning projects for public and privately owned fleets of both on road and non-road equipment. Projects will fuel a range of equipment from public work fleets, busses, shipping yards, drayage vehicles, refuse trucks, electric snow groomers, and more.