In Oregon, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the state agency responsible for restoring and maintaining the quality of our air, land, and water. The Vehicle Inspection Program (VIP) at DEQ is critical to this mission, as vehicles are the leading cause of air pollution, and VIP has had a positive impact on Oregon’s air quality since the 1980s.

As the 2025 Legislative Session draws to a close, an alarming bill was introduced at the same time as a major transportation package. This bill, if passed, would have shuttered the Vehicle Inspection Program.

“We’re the last line of defense in protecting Oregon’s air, water, and land,” said Gus Glaser, President of AFSCME Local 3336 representing DEQ workers.

“AFSCME’s political team let us know right away when this bill was introduced, which allowed us to mobilize our membership in defense of the important work we do to keep our communities and ecology healthy” said Glaser.

DEQ workers sent hundreds of letters to lawmakers highlighting the importance of the program, attended the June 5th state worker rally and met with legislators.

“Our members really stepped up to support one another. It was clear once lawmakers heard from the people doing the actual work and why this program is so important, their tune changed and we felt supported, and heard” added Glaser.