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”
Category Archives: public health
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.
Oregon awards Oregon Green Schools $10,000 grant
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has awarded Oregon Green Schools $10,000 to help the nonprofit transition from a fully volunteer organization to establishing a more formal structure, including a small, paid professional staff. This shift will strengthen and expand OGS’s activities with schools across the state. Photos: Students complete the Oregon Green Schools GreenContinue reading “Oregon awards Oregon Green Schools $10,000 grant”
DEQ staff spotlight on Lynda Viray, in honor of Filipino American History Month
Filipino Americans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States with nearly 20,000 residing in the State of Oregon. Every October we celebrate Filipino heritage to increase awareness of the significant role Filipinos have played in American history. We had the opportunity to talk to Lynda Viray, someone who knows firstContinue reading “DEQ staff spotlight on Lynda Viray, in honor of Filipino American History Month”
DEQ’s vehicle inspection program gets record high marks from customers
You might think customers grumble when they drive their car into one of DEQ’s vehicle inspection stations – it’s time out of their day, after all, and it costs money. But think again. Over the past three months, surveys show a stunning 98.8 percent customer satisfaction with the Vehicle Inspection Program.
Oregon DEQ releases wildfire smoke trends report for 2020
The number of unhealthy air quality days caused by wildfires are increasing across Oregon. In 2020, those living here experienced the worst air quality ever recorded in the state.
Jackson Dougan’s background and experience bring a unique perspective to DEQ
Jackson Dougan arrived at DEQ a little over two years ago, after completing a Master of Science in Global Change: Ecosystem Science & Policy from the University College Dublin in Ireland, as well as working in the New York State’s Office of the Attorney General and at the Environmental Defense Fund, among other places. HeContinue reading “Jackson Dougan’s background and experience bring a unique perspective to DEQ”
Introducing the new and improved Oregon Smoke Blog
For years, the Oregon Smoke Blog has been the go-to resource for anyone wanting to learn the latest and best information on smoke conditions during wildfire season. And now, the blog is even better. In preparation for the upcoming summer months, DEQ has revamped the blog to give it a cleaner design and make itContinue reading “Introducing the new and improved Oregon Smoke Blog”
Include old electronics in your next spring cleaning purge
No matter how hard we work at “spring cleaning.” there’s often one area that’s overlooked – our old, unused electronics. A recent survey found that most of us in Oregon have broken or obsolete TVs, computers, printers or other electronics hiding in plain sight at home. These electronics languish in closets or under sofas, in attics or storage and generally evade our spring cleaning efforts.