Oregon DEQ awards nearly $11.5 million to 2025 diesel emissions reduction and infrastructure grants recipients

Press Release · November 14, 2025

Oregon DEQ awards nearly $11.5 million to 2025 diesel emissions reduction and infrastructure grants recipients

As part of its ongoing work to improve air quality, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced it is awarding nearly $11.5 million in funding through its Clean Truck and Infrastructure grants. All projects focus on reducing diesel emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and/or developing charging infrastructure for those vehicles across the state and among areas overly burdened by diesel pollution. Of the 60 competitive applications the grants team reviewed, 43 grants are being awarded to Oregon businesses, government agencies and equipment owners this year.

Funded projects fall into one of three categories:

• Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants Program - Funded by the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust, it supports the replacement of older diesel vehicles, engines or equipment with newer, cleaner technologies, including zero-emission options.
• Oregon DEQ Clean Trucks Grant Program - Funded through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action Grant, or CERTA, it provides money to replace diesel vehicles with new zero-emission choices.
• Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grants - Also funded through CERTA, it supports the planning and installation of charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty fleets.

In 2025, more than $8 million was available for the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants. Furthermore, last year, DEQ was awarded the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action Grant, or CERTA, which is providing more than $20 million in funding for the Clean Trucks and Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure grants, as well as the new Zero-Emissions Rebates for Oregon Fleets program. Also known as the ZERO Fleet Program, it will announce its open application period soon.

"We understand it's a significant undertaking to transition to cleaner diesel and zero-emissions vehicles. That's why these grants are so valuable to the businesses and organizations wanting to overhaul their medium- and heavy-duty fleets," said Oregon DEQ Director Leah Feldon. "This funding brings beneficial resources to those committed to transitioning to cleaner, more efficient medium- and heavy-duty transportation. Projects funded from these grants enhance facility infrastructure and benefit surrounding communities."

Examples of new projects include the following:

• Prineville's Crook County Library - To use $650,000 in Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant funds to replace its medium-duty diesel bookmobile with an all-electric one.
• Corvallis Disposal Co. - To apply $130,000 in Clean Trucks Grant money to replace its heavy-duty diesel garbage truck with an all-electric, heavy-duty one.
• Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. (in Bend) - To use $82,796 in Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant funds to install a DCFC charger for Class 3 utility fleet vehicles.
• Pacific Lumber (in Donald) - To apply $244,530 in Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant money to install two DCFC chargers.

Additional Diesel Emissions Mitigation, Clean Trucks and Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure grants have been awarded to projects based in Eugene, Hood River, Lakeview, Philomath, Portland, Salem, Sherwood and other areas across the state. In total, they will remove more than 25 tons of harmful pollution, including oxides of nitrogen and fine particulate matter, from Oregon's air. Previous grant recipients have demonstrated great success with their projects.

After project completion, all recipients are eligible to improve their emissions profiles by pursuing certification under DEQ's free Diesel Emissions Identification Program.

Submissions for the Federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants program are still being considered and will be evaluated in line with federal guidance and funding availability.

For more information on specific grants, please email [email protected]. You may also register to receive email updates on the Clean Truck and Infrastructure grants.

About the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality protects human health and the environment by controlling air and water pollution, reducing the impacts of manufactured products and cleaning up contaminated properties. DEQ engages the public in decision-making and helps communities solve problems in ways that are economically and environmentally sustainable.