Section 279C.537 - Condition concerning use of diesel engines in motor vehicles used in performing certain public improvement contracts; rules(1) As used in this section, "diesel engine," "nonroad diesel engine" and "motor vehicle" have the meanings given those terms in ORS 468A.795.(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a public improvement contract must require at least 80 percent of the total fleet of motor vehicles that are motor vehicles powered by diesel engines and equipment powered by nonroad diesel engines used on site and in the course of performing the contract to be:(a) Motor vehicles powered by model year 2010 or newer diesel engines; and(b) Equipment powered by nonroad diesel engines, whether or not capable of being powered by alternative fuel, that meet or exceed United States Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 exhaust emission standards for nonroad compression ignition engines.(3) Subsection (2) of this section applies only to a public improvement contract for a public improvement: (a) With a value of $20 million or more;(b) For which the contracting agency is a state contracting agency; and(c) If the public improvement is located within Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington County.(4)(a) The Department of Environmental Quality may by order establish minimum standards for contract specifications relating to the use of diesel engines in the course of performing a public improvement contract by a state contracting agency. In establishing standards under this subsection, the department shall take into consideration methods for assisting contractors certified, under ORS 200.055, as disadvantaged business enterprises, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses or emerging small businesses in complying with the minimum standards for contract specifications.(b) The Director of Transportation, the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Attorney General may adopt rules for contract specifications relating to the use of diesel engines on site and in the course of performing a public improvement contract by a state contracting agency. In adopting rules under this paragraph, the directors and the Attorney General shall consider the minimum standards established by the Department of Environmental Quality under paragraph (a) of this subsection.(c) As an alternative to meeting the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, a public improvement contract subject to subsection (2) of this section may include contract specifications that meet the minimum standards applicable to the public improvement contract under rules adopted pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection.Amended by 2023 Ch. 497,§ 15, eff. 9/24/2023, op. 1/1/2024. 279C. 537 was added to and made a part of the Public Contracting Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 279C or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.