Oregon Gov. Kate Brown officially set a new zero-emissions vehicles target this week, signing off on Senate Bill 1044.
That legislation links the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to greenhouse gas reduction goals for the state. The goal is ultimately the reduction of tailpipe emissions and the introduction of cleaner-fueled vehicles, such as those powered by electricity or renewable hydrogen. It aims to see 50 percent of all registered vehicles in Oregon to be ZEVs by 2035 and to see new vehicles being sold by that time to be 90 percent ZEVs as well.
“With the passage of Senate Bill 1044, Oregon is helping lead the nation on how to transition to a cleaner, modern transportation system,” Brown said. “When zero-emission vehicles are widely used, and charging stations are easily accessible to all, we can support economic development and the environment at the same time.”
The state of Oregon will now have until 2029 to swap all its light-duty vehicles for ZEV versions. Schools will be able to use existing funding sources to purchase electric buses and charging stations. Further, the Oregon Department of Energy will now monitor ZEV adoption and make recommendations to the Legislature to spur ZEV adoption and keep the state’s goals on track.