PUC Opens Comment Period On Third Party Electric Vehicle Charging Issues

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the July 8 PA Bulletin formally opening the public comment period on issues related to third party electric vehicle charging.  Comments will be accepted through August 21.

The PUC is seeking comments in response to a motion made by PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown in May and adopted by the Commission.

The PUC is asking for comments on the following:

-- What restrictions, if any, each EDCs existing tariff places on the resale/redistribution of electric power by third-party EV charging.

-- The advantages and disadvantages of specific tariff provisions permitting unrestricted resale/redistribution of electric power when done for the purpose of third-party EV charging.

-- Whether it is appropriate to encourage EDCs across this Commonwealth to move toward a tariff design, such as that of Duquesne, which includes provisions permitting the resale/redistribution of electric power for third-party EV charging.

-- What other resale/redistribution tariff provision designs may aid in establishing clear rules for third-party EV charging stations.

-- What other regulatory options may aid in establishing clear resale/redistribution rules for third-party EV charging stations.

Comments referencing Docket No. M-2017-2604382 should be submitted to the Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 2nd Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

(Photo: Weis Markets/Tesla Vehicle Charging Station, Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg.)

Weis Markets Surpasses 2020 Goal of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Weis Markets recently announced it has surpassed its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020.

The company achieved this milestone five years earlier than anticipated, reaching a 22.1 percent reduction in GHG emissions in 2015.

“We are very encouraged by the steady, measurable progress we are making and are excited to share this great achievement of our ever growing sustainability program,” said Weis Markets President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis. “Hitting this important milestone five years ahead of schedule gives us the opportunity to continue to explore new initiatives and technologies that will further reduce our impact on the environment and streamline efficiencies in our operations.”

Such efficiencies include the installation of LED lighting, various energy reducing equipment and efforts made to minimize refrigerant leaks.

Weis Markets also plans to increase its recycling rate by five percent each year with a goal of zero waste, reduce energy usage by two percent each year, and replace 50 percent of its tractor fleet with cleaner fuel vehicles within the next several years.

“We are certainly moving in the right direction. From our local roots and longstanding relationships with local farmers to our comprehensive recycling programs that in 2015 alone diverted more than 33,000 tons of waste from landfills, we remain steadfast in our commitment to both the environment and the communities we serve,” said Weis.

(Photo: Weis Markets, Union Deposit Road Store in Harrisburg hosts a Tesla electric vehicle recharging station.)

To read more about sustainability efforts at Weis Markets, read its 2015 Sustainability Report and visit the Weis Markets Sustainability Programs webpage.

DEP Now Accepting Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Applications

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants.  The are two rounds of grant deadlines-- July 14 and December 15.  (formal notice)

The grants are designed to improve air quality in this Commonwealth and reduce consumption of imported oil by using homegrown alternative fuels that will also benefit the economy and environment..

The Department is seeking applications for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects that will result in cleaner advanced alternative transportation.

Approximately $5 million in grants will be available for school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth to support:

-- 50 percent of incremental cost expenses relative to retrofitting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels as a bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicle.

-- 50 percent of incremental cost expenses to purchase bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicles.

-- The cost to purchase and install the necessary fleet refueling or workplace, home or intermediary refueling equipment for bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicles.

-- The cost to perform research, training, development and demonstration of new applications or next-phase technology related to alternative fuel vehicles.

Also Still Available

-- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Technical Assistance. Open application period.

-- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates available for battery and plug-in electric vehicles. June 30 deadline.

For more information, visit DEP’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants webpage.

(Photo: Tesla-Weis Markets electric vehicle charging station at Union Deposit Store Harrisburg.)

DEP Now Accepting Applications For Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates; Webinars Set On All Charging Station Grant Programs

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Rebate Program Grants as part of the Driving PA Forward Initiative. (formal notice)

DEP will accept applications for $3 million in grants through March 31 or until funding runs out.

The Department is seeking applications for projects that will install Level 2 EV charging equipment in publicly accessible locations (government or nongovernment owned), workplaces and multi-unit dwellings.

Funding is available for public and private entities that own one or more of these location types in this Commonwealth.

These entities may include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, other state agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in this Commonwealth, air quality or transportation organizations, and metropolitan or rural planning organizations.

This program is funded by Pennsylvania’s share of the settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests.

Six transportation projects designed to improve air quality in Pennsylvania are expected to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions statewide by 27 tons by accelerating the replacement of older, polluting diesel engines with cleaner technologies.

Oct. 9 Webinar

DEP will hold a webinar on October 9 at 10:30 on the Level 2 Charging Station Rebate Program (under Types of Projects).  Click Here for registration information.

More information on this grant program is available on the Driving PA Forward webpage or by contacting DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality at 717-787-9495 or send email to: epvwmitigation@pa.gov.  (formal notice)

Oct. 25 Webinar

DEP will hold a webinar on October 25 at 10:30 on the previously announced rebate program for $3 million in grants for Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Charging Project Rebate Program (under Types of Projects).  Click Here for registration information.

Applications for the previously announced program will be accepted through January 15, July 15 and December 16.

More information on this grant program is available on the Driving PA Forward webpage or by contacting DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality at 717-787-9495 or send email to: epvwmitigation@pa.gov. (formal notice)

Other Alternative Fuel Grants/Rebates

These other grant and rebate programs are now open for applications--

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come)

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

(Photo: Tesla electric vehicle charging station at the Weis Market on Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg.)

Related Story:

Gov. Wolf: First Round Of Grants Funded By EPA Volkswagen Settlement To Reduce Pollution

DCNR Celebrates Induction Of Boyd Big Tree Preserve In Dauphin County Into The Old-Growth Forest Network

On April 26, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn visited Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area in Dauphin County to celebrate its forest heritage and to induct it into the Old-Growth Forest Network.

“It’s hard to describe the sense of awe that comes from taking a walk among ancient, old-growth trees,” Dunn said. “This designation reminds all Pennsylvanians of the forest heritage of Penn’s Woods and spotlights the unique and exciting opportunities that are offered for outdoor recreation and experiencing nature in their state parks and forests.”

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is located on the lands of the Susquehannock peoples, who inhabited the region near the Susquehanna River for several centuries before European settlement.

The old-growth area in the preserve is estimated between 75 and 80 acres and is located in a small valley on the western boundary of the conservation area. 

Ten tree species occur there, including red and white oaks, tulip poplar, beech, hickory, and maple, and understory that includes hemlock, sassafras, mountain maple, striped maple, birch, and witch hazel. The estimated age of several oaks is 120 years.

Substantial ground level moisture exists at Boyd Big Tree, with at least two narrow creeks present in the woods. In the spring, mosses, club moss, princess pine, and ferns appear on the trail’s lower elevations.  There is a notable range of fungi and mushrooms.

The Old-Growth Forest Network is a national organization working to preserve ancient forests for the enjoyment of present and future generations. In counties capable of supporting forest growth, the network identifies at least one forest that will be protected from logging and open to the public.

“We look forward to adding more forests to the Network in the future,” said founder and director of the Old-Growth Forest Network Joan Maloof. “We depend on a volunteer in each county to help us identify candidate forests.  Jen Hirt, Dauphin County Coordinator for the Old-Growth Forest Network, has been an invaluable volunteer supporter. In addition to creating a network of forests, we are also creating a network of people who care about forests."

Boyd Big Tree joins 20 other Pennsylvania forests already in the network.

Alexander Boyd (1925-2013) was president of the Union Deposit Corp. He donated land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in September 1999. The stated purpose of the donation was to set aside the area for the perpetual management and protection of big trees.

Find out more about Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area on DCNR’s website.

Visit DCNR’s Penn’s Woods - Old Growth Tour Points webpage to learn more about Old Growth Forests.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Related Article This Week:

-- DCNR Dedicates Trailhead Signs In Lebanon, Schuylkill Counties To Honor George H. Kaufman, Former Jonestown Mayor, Longtime DCNR Employee  

Related Article - Old-Growth:

-- DCNR Celebrates Induction Of Sweet Root Natural Area In Bedford County Into National Old-Growth Forest Network

-- DCNR Celebrates Induction Of White Clay Creek Preserve In Chester County Into The Old-Growth Forest Network

-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust: Partners With Nancy Long and Tom Baldwin To Preserve Old Growth Forest In Chester County

-- Part Of Laurel Hill State Park Included In Old Growth Forest Network

-- Walking Thru Old-Growth Forest At The Alan Seeger Natural Area In Huntingdon County

-- Bay Journal: Quest Under Way To Find, Protect Old-Growth Forests In PA, Chesapeake Bay Watershed

[Posted: April 26, 2022]  PA Environment Digest

DEP Makes Changes To Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates For Electric Vehicles

The Department of Environmental Protection announced Saturday it has revised the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates available for battery and plug-in electric vehicles.  (formal notice)

Beginning March 18, there will be a three-tier rebate system for these vehicle types.

-- $1,750 rebate for BEV and PHEV with a battery capacity greater than or equal to 20 kWh;

-- $1,000 rebate for BEV and PHEV with a battery capacity between 10 kWh and 20 kWh; and

-- $750 rebate for BEV and PHEV with a battery capacity less than 10 kWh.

There are a limited number of rebates available at $1,750. The Program offered will be reassessed upon payment of the first 250 rebates at $1,750 or June 30, 2017, whichever occurs first.

There are no changes in rebate amounts for compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, fuel cell or electric motorcycle, scooters, ATVs or low speed electric vehicles.

Beginning March 18, all alternative fuel vehicle rebates will be submitted online using the eGrants system.

More information will be published on DEP’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates webpage.
(Photo: Weis Markets Tesla electric vehicle charging station at the Union Deposit Road store in Harrisburg.)

DEP's Driving PA Forward Offers Grants, Rebates For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday launched new grant and rebate programs for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and fueling stations to increase options for ZEV owners and encourage more people to consider these clean vehicles for their next car.

The application period opens September 20. Application deadlines are 4:00 p.m. on January 25, July 15, and December 16, 2019.

The application period is continuous until funds are exhausted, and vouchers will be issued on a first come, first served basis. All applications from each period will be reviewed.

Businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations are eligible to apply.

The funding comes from Pennsylvania’s $118 million settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests.

The grants and rebates are available through the Driving PA Forward initiative. The goal of the initiative is to permanently reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution from vehicles.

“Electric vehicles reduce air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks and other health issues, especially in children and elderly residents. Reducing tailpipe emissions also helps Pennsylvania attain and maintain air quality standards,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “I’m excited to make electric vehicles more feasible for Pennsylvania residents by expanding the network of charging stations available.”

Up to $3 million in grants is available for acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of ZEV fast-charging equipment and hydrogen fuel cell equipment through 2019.

Grants are awarded as reimbursements after completed projects, with a maximum amount of $500,000. The amount awarded depends on the charging or fueling capacity of the proposed equipment.

Another $3 million is available in rebates for Level 2 (240-volt) charging stations for 2018. Stations can be located on publicly accessible, government-owned or non-government-owned property or at workplaces or multi-unit dwellings that are not publicly accessible.

Successful applicants will receive a rebate voucher that may be redeemed once project work is complete. Applicants will have 180 days to complete projects.

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.

Applicants will find program guidelines, eligibility requirements, instructions, and links to the online applications at the Driving PA Forward initiative webpage.

Other Clean Vehicle Grants/Rebates

Application periods are open for several other clean vehicle grants or rebates, including--

-- September 30: Duquesne Light, Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebate

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come)

-- December 14: DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants

(Photo: Tesla electric vehicle charging station at the Weis Market on Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg.)

NewsClip:

Grants, Rebates For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Announced

PUC Advances Proposed Policy On Third-Party Electric Vehicle Charging

The Public Utility Commission Thursday advanced a proposed policy on third-party electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that seeks to provide greater clarity and consistency throughout the state.

“Elimination of any regulatory uncertainty is an important first step in supporting the build-out of electric vehicle infrastructure,” Chairman Brown stated in a motion at the PUC meeting.  “The existing panoply of different tariffs indeed results in a lack of clarity and consistency throughout the state regarding resale/redistribution of electricity for EV charging, and I believe it is prudent to make tariff provisions of this nature ubiquitous among Electric Distribution Companies.”

The Commission voted 5-0 to publish a draft Policy Statement which clarifies that third-party electric vehicle charging is not considered resale/redistribution under Section 1313 of the Public Utility Code and further directs EDCs to add EV charging tariff provisions consistent with the policy.

Upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, there will be a 45-day comment period for interested parties to share their thoughts with the Commission.

On June 15, 2017, the Commission issued a Secretarial Letter launching a third-party EV charging inquiry, underscoring the differing rules and provisions of the resale of utility service by third-party EV charging stations, all of which may be subject to differing interpretations.

In her comments, Chairman Brown emphasized the distinction between electricity for use as a transportation fuel and electricity as an essential public utility service, noting that the Commission has already approved one tariff provision – for Duquesne Light Company - which helps to reduce regulatory uncertainty in that service territory.

Documents related to this issue can be found at: Docket No.: M-2017-2604382.

(Photo: Electric vehicle charging station behind Weis Markets, Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg.)

Related Story:

PA Clean Transportation Infrastructure Bill Approved By House Committee