DEQ is removing petroleum-contaminated soil at Johnson Oil, a former gas station and car dealership in Clatskanie that began operating in 1957. The soil-removal is the latest effort to clean up the site, which has a history of contamination dating back to the 1980s. Columbia County acquired the property through foreclosure in 2007.
Author Archives: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Episode 7 – Oregon’s Climate Protection Program
As of Jan. 1, 2022, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a new Climate Protection Program! The goals of the program are: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels by 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050 to contain costs to enhance public welfare for Oregon communities, particularly environmental justice communities, including, communitiesContinue reading “Episode 7 – Oregon’s Climate Protection Program”
DEQ and Oregon Sea Grant invite Oregon businesses to apply to host pollution prevention interns
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Sea Grant are excited to announce the opportunity for Oregon businesses to host a paid, 10-week, full-time sustainability intern for the summer through the Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience Internship program.
DEQ implements changes to Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has made big changes to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program’s Charge Ahead Rebate. As of Jan. 1, 2022, low- and moderate-income households are eligible for $5,000 back with the purchase or lease of a new or used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Previously, the Charge AheadContinue reading “DEQ implements changes to Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program”
Environmental Quality Commission votes to establish Climate Protection Program
New DEQ program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon by 90% by 2050 Statewide, OR — Today the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted 3-1 to establish the Climate Protection Program which sets enforceable and declining limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels used throughout Oregon. The limits apply to diesel, gasoline, natural gasContinue reading “Environmental Quality Commission votes to establish Climate Protection Program”
Episode 6 – In case of emergency…
What happens when oil and hazardous materials spill into the environment? DEQ springs into action to ensure it doesn’t impact public health or the environment. DEQ receives 1,500 reports of oil spills per year. Most of these incidents are small, but about 150 per year require a more in-depth response.
Oregon DEQ announces recipients of $8 million in diesel emission mitigation grants
As part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced recipients of $8.1 million in funding for projects designed to reduce diesel emissions across the state and among vulnerable populations. Under the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program, 12 projects will help eliminate air contaminants affecting public health and climate by retrofitting or replacing older medium- and heavy-duty diesel equipment with new, cleaner alternatives.
Clearing the air about woodsmoke
Chilly nights around Oregon might inspire people to fire up wood stoves and fireplaces – but keep air quality in mind before striking a match.
Episode 5 – Confusion to clarity
This month on GreenState, it’s time to talk about communications. Who’s on the comms team? What do they do? How is the comms team working to help you? That’s what we’re getting into this month — well, that and learning who at DEQ has biked from Boulder, Colorado, to Eugene.
DEQ Thanks our Veterans and Active-Duty Military
As we commemorate Veterans Day, we appreciate how the many veterans and active-duty military working at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality are continuing the call to service in their current jobs. In fact, DEQ is proud to currently have 48 military service members on staff. We honor them for their sacrifices and thank them for always saying “yes” when called upon to support our country and Oregonians.