Oregon Idle Reduction Laws and Incentives
State Incentives
Efficient Truck Technology Tax Credit
The Oregon Department of Energy offers a Business Energy Tax Credit to Oregon businesses, trades, and rental property owners that invest in efficient truck technology projects. Applicants may receive a tax credit of up to 35% of the project costs. The credit must be filed over a period of five years, 10% in the first and second years and 5% for each remaining year. A tax credit may be received in one year if total projects costs are $20,000 or less. Efficient truck technology projects may include the purchase of idle reduction equipment, aerodynamic packages, single-wide tires, and automatic tire inflation.
Non-profit organizations, schools, and other public entities without an Oregon tax liability may receive the tax credit for an eligible project, but must "pass-through" or transfer their project eligibility to a pass-through partner in exchange for a lump-sum cash payment. The Oregon Department of Energy determines the rate that is used to calculate the cash payment. The pass-through option is also available to a project owner with an Oregon tax liability who chooses to transfer his or her tax credit. For additional information on possible tax implications in using the pass-through option, please consult a tax professional.
Alternative Fuel Loans
The Oregon Department of Energy offers a loan program for energy efficiency, renewable resource, and alternative fuel projects. Eligible alternative fuel projects include fuel production facilities, dedicated feedstock production, fueling stations, and fleet vehicles. The program issues Oregon general obligation bonds to provide funds for the loans. Loan recipients must complete a loan application and pay a loan application fee. (Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 470.050)
State Laws and Regulations
Idle Reduction Weight Exemption
The state's maximum weight limitations do not apply to a vehicle equipped with a fully functional idle reduction system designed to reduce fuel use and emissions from engine idling. The vehicle may exceed the weight limitations by up to 400 pounds. (Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 818.030)
Regional Climate Change Initiative
Governors of Oregon, Washington, and California approved a series of recommendations for action to combat global warming, as detailed in the West Coast Governors' Global Warming Initiative. It was determined that the three states must act individually and regionally to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs). The initiative includes adopting standards to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by expanding markets for efficiency, renewable energy and alternative fuels, including creating a working group on developing hydrogen fuel. Building upon this commitment, Oregon joined other western states and several Canadian provinces and signed an agreement establishing the Western Climate Initiative, a joint effort to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change.
Utilities/Private Incentives
Idle Reduction Incentives
Cascade Sierra Solutions (CSS), an Oregon based non-profit organization, provides comprehensive idle reduction solutions for commercial trucks and trailers nation-wide. Programs support all verifiable technologies that save fuel and reduce diesel emissions including alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle technologies. Any fuel saving technology qualified as a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Carrier Strategy and approved by the CSS Technical Advisory Team is eligible for financing. Options for upgrades or vehicle replacement are available to registered truck owners. CSS combines available grants and tax incentives with a revolving loan fund to provide affordable leasing arrangements. Small Business Administration working capital loans and group insurance for truckers are also available.
