Jan. 22, 2008 — Oregon Environmental Council Partners with Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association to Promote ‘Leak-Free’ Driving at Portland International Auto Show

PORTLAND, Ore.—Jan. 22, 2008—At this year’s Portland International Auto Show, a unique partnership between the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association will raise awareness about the impacts of automotive oil and fluid leaks on water quality. This partnership, called “Don’t Drip and Drive,” will benefit local motorists and watersheds alike, offering preliminary leak inspections discounts on leak repair.

On Saturday, January 26th, volunteers from the Oregon Environmental Council will be on location at the Auto Show, placing sheets of cardboard under the vehicles of participating visitors to check for signs of drips and providing an initial leak diagnosis. The testing will occur all day in the Oregon Convention Center parking lot.

Automotive fluid leaks pose a significant and ever-present water quality problem. Oil and other engine fluids that leak from cars onto roads and driveways are washed into stormdrains that usually flow untreated into the nearest stream or river. Researchers from NASA and the Smithsonian Institution estimate that every three weeks, more oil is deposited on driveways and streets in the US. than the Exxon Valdez spilled in Alaska in 1989.

By testing these vehicles for oil and fluid leaks and providing repair discounts, OEC and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association are working to raise awareness and change behaviors to reduce the impacts of oil and fluid leaks on water quality. Studies show that face-to-face, personal conversations are more effective at changing behaviors than typical educational campaigns. This pilot project will try out a personal approach to reducing vehicle fluid leaks that could be expanded to other parking lots and events if successful.

WHO: Oregon Environmental Council and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association

WHAT: “Don’t Drip and Drive:” Free testing for fluid leaks on participating vehicles – with discounted repair services offered by participating Portland-area auto dealers

WHERE: Portland International Auto Show, Oregon Convention Center Parking Garage, levels P1 and P2. Entrance on NE First Avenue

WHEN: Saturday, January 26th, 2008 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

About the Oregon Environmental Council

The Oregon Environmental Council safeguards what Oregonians love about Oregon – clean air and water, an unpolluted landscape and healthy food produced by local farmers. For nearly 40 years we’ve been a champion for solutions to protect the health of every Oregonian and the health of the place we call home. Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxins, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms.

For More Information:
Oregon Environmental Council
Jeremy Graybill, Communications Director
503-222-1963 ext. 111

jeremyg@oeconline.org