On November 15, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it is accepting applications for 2 new grant and rebate programs for trucks and buses through the Driving PA Forward Initiative.
$6.4 million in competitive grants and $12 million in rebates are available for trucks and buses with diesel engines to be replaced or repowered with cleaner-burning alternatives.
“Replacing or repowering vehicles like school buses and local delivery trucks with cleaner alternatives, as well as tractor trailers hauling cargo across Pennsylvania highways, is critical to improving air quality and protecting public health across the state,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “These grants and rebates are excellent opportunities for schools and businesses to cut down on emissions.”
Grants are available for Class 8 vehicles like tractor trailers and transit buses to be either replaced or repowered. The deadlines for applications are: January 11, May 10 and September 23.
Rebates are available for Class 4-7 trucks, school buses, and other vehicles. This is a first-come, first-served program. DEP did not set a deadline for applications.
The new vehicle or engine may be powered by natural gas, clean diesel, full electric, or other alternative fuels.
Eligible applicants include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, nonprofit entities, corporations, air quality or transportation organizations, and others.
Funds for the grants and rebates are from the $118 million settlement with Volkswagen, relating to emissions cheating.
Mobile source emissions in Pennsylvania account for nearly half of NOx pollution, which can lead to ground-level ozone formation and poor air quality. Children and elderly residents are especially susceptible to health impacts such as asthma from poor air quality.
Application Webinars
DEP will hold 2 webinars for interested applicants for the rebates on December 3 at 10:30 a.m. and the grants on December 4 at 10:30 a.m. Registration details can be found at the Driving PA Forward Initiative website.
Other Clean Vehicle Grants/Rebates
Application periods are open for several other clean vehicle, charging station grants or rebates, including--
-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come)
-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
-- January 25: DEP Zero Emission Vehicle, Electric Charging Station Rebates
-- February 9: FAST Act Alternative Fuels Corridor Infrastructure Grants
Visit DEP’s Driving PA Forward website for more information on clean vehicle initiatives.
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