Oregon’s Clean Fuels Successes Keep Rolling

Remember that time gas prices spiked drastically because of the Clean Fuels Program? No, neither do we.

Those predictions from fossil fuel companies and opponents fell flat. So far, this program has prevented the equivalent of 680,000 tailpipe emissions over the 3.5 years the program has been in effect, at a cost of pennies per gallon.

The program takes a holistic, or a “well-to-wheels,” look at how much climate pollution transportation fuels emit. This “carbon intensity” is measured for each type of fuel, with diesel and gasoline scoring the worst. The program then requires a 10% reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels over time.

That reduction is accomplished when lower carbon fuels (like electricity or sustainable biofuels  e.g. waste grease biodiesel) are used in Oregon displacing petroleum fuels. We get real greenhouse gas reductions right here at home.

The program’s first year success set us on a great course. After more than three years, it is obvious how the program accrues benefits each and every year. Other states have been inspired by the benefits of our program–and are looking to leapfrog Oregon’s success. Washington and New York both introduced bills last year to create clean fuels standards that would achieve 20% reductions. Oregon should build on our success and double our standard too!

via GIPHY

The program doesn’t stop with climate benefits. Since the start of the program it has also:

  • Created over 150 jobs
  • Supported the use of lower-cost fuels for transit buses, school districts, and local governments.
  • Helped family-owned businesses transition to cleaner, more affordable fuels.
  • Rewarded biofuels for lowering their climate impact, including a nearly 30% reduction in the carbon intensity of biodiesel.
  • In the last quarter alone, displaced the equivalent of 40 million gallons of gasoline and over 17 million gallons of diesel.
  • Reduced local air pollution. Gasoline and diesel are leading sources of air pollution, including benzene (which causes cancer), nitrogen dioxide (increases asthma attacks), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (linked to reduced fetal brain development), and particulate matter (linked to cardiovascular and lung disease).
  • Businesses all across the state, from Coburg to Sherwood, Klamath Falls to Boardman, and Portland to Medford are signed up and using cleaner fuels. You can check out more success stories at cleanfuelswork.com.
Related Posts
Filter by
Post Page
Transportation Solutions Featured Air Quality Climate Protection Environmental Health Policy Job Opportunities
Sort by
ev plugged into charger at charging station

Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program Re-Opens for 2026

A widespread transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is an important piece of Oregon’s long-term environmental goals. Our dominantly gas-dependent transportation system currently accounts for 35% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions, making it Oregon’s largest source of climate pollution and a major contributor to air pollution. With the continually rising costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance, we’re left wit
August 26, 2026, 11:46 am
clara-ridabock

9

wildfire smoke in oregon town

Smoke and Heat: A Deadly Climate Combo Unfolding in Oregon

Oregon’s wildfire situation has gone from bad to worse. Just a few days into August, this year has officially set the record for most acres burned in a single Oregon wildfire season. We’re cur
August 4, 2026, 2:29 pm
samp

9

wildfire smoke with sun shining through in oregon mountains

How To Stay Safe During Oregon’s Wildfire Season

Oregon’s wildfire season is off to an early and dangerous start.  Already, dozens of wildfires have burned nearly 2 million acres – more than four times last year’s total. At least 24,000 Oregonians are currently under some level of evacuation notice. Families across the state a
July 29, 2026, 1:16 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

Celebrating 10 Years of Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program

Ten years ago, OEC championed a bold step toward a cleaner future. The Clean Fuels Program was built on an elegant, yet transformative idea: Reward cleaner transportation fuels, encourage industry innovation, and reduce climate pollution from the state’s biggest emissions sources. Despite significant hurdles, the program has been a resounding success at the ten-year m
July 22, 2026, 12:42 pm
mcadmin

9

Looking Up Through Towering Ponderosa Pines in Central Oregon

Let Science Lead: Protecting Oregon’s Air Quality Standards

Federal air quality standards are being rolled back left and right. Since Trump took office, federal agencies have stripped regulations that protect us from mercury and
June 25, 2026, 3:04 pm
mcadmin

9

transmission lines at sunset

2026 Oregon Clean Grid Summit Recap

On May 18th, the Oregon Clean Grid Collaborative (OCGC) hosted the Clean Grid Summit in Salem, bringing together more than 100 attendees, including representatives from 13 legislative offices, to discuss the future of Oregon’s electric grid and the policies needed to support a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future.  Through three panels, speakers explored the competing priorities shaping energy policy, the r
June 17, 2026, 12:53 pm
mcadmin

9

data center emitting steam in the dalles, oregon

New Rules Protect Oregonians From Data Center-Caused Rate Increases

In a landmark moment for Oregon ratepayers, last week the Oregon Public Utility Commission enacted new rules protecting Portland General Electric (PGE) customers from rate increases stemming from data centers. Represented by Green Energy Institute, OEC joined other consumer advocates to influence this decision. By creating a new customer category for data centers, PGE can now more accurately track their energy usage and charge them accordingly. The new rules put guardrails in place
May 12, 2026, 2:07 pm
ben230983240923480923

9

OEC RFP - Strategic Plan Consultant

Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) Request For Proposal (RFP) for a Strategic Planning Consultant

May 7, 2026, 5:05 pm
mcadmin

9

wind turbines in the columbia river gorge

OEC v. IRS Update: Oregon-Led Coalition Backs our Challenge to Trump’s Attacks on Wind and Solar

When we filed a federal lawsuit against the IRS in December, we knew we weren’t alone in the fight for clean, affordable energy. And now, states across the country voiced their support, with Oregon leading the way.  On February 20, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield led a coalition of 16 state attorneys general in filing an
March 18, 2026, 2:58 pm
mcadmin

9

senator merkley speaking at TSCA hearing

Senator Merkley Speaks Up for Chemical Safety — and Oregon Families

At an early March Senate hearing, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley asked the tough questions that get to the heart of serious concerns about proposed changes to the Toxic Substances Control Acts (TSCA). In recent discussions, Senator Merkley has emerged as a critical voice pushing back against industry-backed proposals t
March 5, 2026, 10:00 am
crystal2530

9

No Replies to "Oregon’s Clean Fuels Successes Keep Rolling"