Geo-Spatial Analysis of the Number of Active Fuel Supply Equipment Registered in Oregon under the Clean Fuels Program

Abstract

The Oregon Clean Fuels Program (CFP), launched by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 2016, principally aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels such as diesel and gasoline. The CFP has set standards to reduce the carbon intensity of these fuels by 10% in 2025, 20% in 2030, and 37% in 2035. Within the CFP framework, "Fuel Supply Equipment" (FSE) is the umbrella term for various equipment that dispense alternative fuels, from electric vehicle chargers to hydrogen fueling stations and propane dispensers. Credit Generators, i.e., providers of natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen, must register such equipment to accurately report the fuel dispensed and consequently generate credits. This research investigates the relationship between the active FSEs registered under the CFP and Oregon’s demographics, such as population, housing units, and employer establishments. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical methodologies, this study analyzes data from 2016 through September 30, 2023, at both state and county levels. It found a high concentration of active FSEs in counties along the U.S. Interstate Highway 5 (I-5). Spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed a positive correlation between active FSEs and demographics in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The analysis reveals that counties with higher populations, more housing units, and more commercial establishments are likely to have more active FSEs, contributing to the achievement of the state's emission reduction goals.