In 2005, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission adopted
California’s emissions standards for light and medium duty vehicles. The new requirements were adopted as the Oregon Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program and will take effect beginning with 2009 model year vehicles.

Washington also adopted California's emissions standards which will also begin for 2009 models. At least fourteen other states have already adopted the California standard for vehicle emissions.

The main reason for adopting the new rules was to reduce greenhouse gases. Another added benefit is a reduction in smog and toxic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde. The benefits in the long run as cited by the DEQ for Oregon:

• Greenhouse gases will be cut 30% by 2016.
• Smog-forming emissions will be lowered 12% to 33% by 2020.
• Hazardous air pollutants (including benzene) will be reduced 22% to 38% by 2020.

Oregon already has some of the highest levels of benzene in some areas. EPA estimates that mobile sources of air toxics account for as much as half of all cancers attributed to outdoor sources of air toxics.

If Oregon is to continue to take pride in how 'green' it is, it must take bolder steps to protect public health and the environment. Download the brochure below to learn some facts about Benzene and visit our Benzene fact page at the OTA site for more info as well.

Benzene Brochure:

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