DEP Awards $39.6 Million In Grants To Replace Aging Diesel Fleets With Zero-Emission Vehicles From VW Settlement Funding

On January 10, the Department of Environmental Protection awarded 16 applicants more than $39.6 million in Volkswagen Settlement Funding to replace diesel-fueled fleets with modern, zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) as a part of the 2022-2023 Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Pilot Grant. 

Part of the Driving PA Forward Program, this grant was developed under the Shapiro administration, to improve air quality statewide by driving transformation from older, high-polluting diesel engines to clean transportation technologies. 

“Clean air is crucial in ensuring a healthy environment,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “That’s why we see it as our mission to address one of the most significant air quality challenges facing our Commonwealth—emissions from transportation. These recommendations mark the highest-dollar awards in any round, for any Driving PA Forward Initiative funding program, showing a step forward in Pennsylvania’s effort in reducing these emissions by getting more clean trucks on the road in the communities that need them.” 

DEP is awarding $39,605,578.58 to 16 applicants for the battery-electric replacement of dozens of vehicles, including home delivery trucks, refuse/recycling trucks, terminal tractors, and the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle replacement of two terminal tractors and their supporting charging infrastructure. 

The 2022-2023 Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Pilot Grant also focuses on funding projects located in underserved and disproportionately impacted communities, such as Environmental Justice and Act 47-designated communities. 

Click Here for a list of grants awarded.

Visit DEP’s Driving PA Forward Program webpage to learn more about other clean vehicle funding opportunities.

Deadlines To Apply For Clean Vehicle Funding

January 26-- PennDOT Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Grants

January 23-- EPA EV Transportation Video Challenge

January 31-- EPA Clean School Bus Grants

February 2-- DEP Clean Diesel Trucks, School Buses, Transit Buses Grants

July 1-- DEP Alternative Fueled Vehicle Rebates (apply anytime)

July 1-- DEP Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates (apply anytime)

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

NewsClips:

-- PA Capital-Star: PA To Receive $47.3 Million For Federal Clean School Bus Program

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Electric Vehicle Tax In PA Would Punish Drivers For Being Responsible - By Energy Innovation: Policy & Technology

[Posted: January 10, 2024]  PA Environment Digest