SALEM – Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) released the following statement this morning regarding the federal settlement with Volkswagen over emissions fraud:
“The federal settlement with Volkswagen announced today represents a big win for protecting consumers and our planet. In addition to compensating Oregonians who Volkswagen misled, this settlement also creates an opportunity for all Oregonians. It requires Volkswagen to pay more than $68 million into a trust to support diesel emission reduction programs in our state.
“According to the Environment Protection Agency, more than 400 Oregonians grow ill or die every year from respiratory and cardiac disease resulting from diesel emissions exposure -- that’s unacceptable. We also know that diesel particulate emissions, or “black carbon,” are a major driver of global warming.
“The Legislature is working on solutions. I am chairing a Clean Diesel Work Group that is addressing the problem of dirty diesel emissions from trucks, buses, and other equipment. The funds from this settlement can and should be used to reduce diesel particulate emissions in our state by speeding up the timeline for purchasing newer, cleaner equipment in both the public and private sectors. We can take a big bite out of diesel particulate emissions in Oregon right now for cleaner air and healthier Oregonians. It’s time to get started.”
