Thursday the Wolf Administration announced a new Driving PA Forward Grant/Rebate Program to replace older, polluting diesel engines with new technologies DEP estimates will cut nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 27,700 tons.  (formal notice)

Eight new grant and rebate programs will operate over the next 5 years with up to $39 million available the first year--

-- Clean Diesel Grants: Competitive grants for diesel emission reduction projects, including but not limited to exhaust controls, engine upgrades, and engine and vehicle replacement. Eligible vehicles, engines, and equipment under this program include many of those eligible under other programs listed here, but also include those used in construction, agriculture, mining and other industries. Applications for these grants will be available this month.

-- Electric Vehicle Fast Charging or Hydrogen Fuel Cell Equipment Grants: Competitive grants for the acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging equipment and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle supply equipment. Grant applications will be accepted beginning later this summer.

-- Level 2 Light-Duty Vehicle Charging Equipment Rebates: Rebates for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging equipment for both public and non-public use to charge electric vehicles. Rebates will be available beginning later this summer.

-- Heavy-Duty Truck and Transit Bus Grants: Competitive grants for Class 8 trucks and transit buses. Model year 1992-2009 or older vehicles will be eligible for replacement or repowering with new diesel, electric, or alternative fuel engines. Grant applications will be accepted starting later this summer.

-- Medium-Duty Truck, School and Shuttle Bus, Port Drayage Truck Rebates: Rebates for class 4-7 trucks and port drayage trucks model year 1992-2009 and for school and shuttle buses older than model year 2009. Rebates will be available beginning later this summer.

-- Shore Power Systems for Ocean-Going Vessel Grants: Competitive grants for upgrades to ports to enable compatible ocean-going vessels to plug in and rely on electric power while in port, rather than running diesel engines. Grant applications will be accepted beginning later this year.

-- Forklift, Airport Ground Support Equipment, and Port Cargo Handling Equipment Grants: Competitive grants to repower or replace vehicles used in transit and transportation to fully electric models to reduce air pollution at ports, airports, and factories. Grant applications will be accepted beginning later this year.

-- Ferry, Tugboat, and Freight Switcher Grants: Competitive grants to repower or replace eligible ferries, tugboats, and freight switcher locomotives. Grant applications will be accepted beginning later this year.

“Clean air is the cornerstone of a clean, healthy environment,” said Gov. Wolf. “When Volkswagen cheated on its emissions equipment, it undermined that cornerstone. Today, through our new Driving PA Forward initiative, we will begin to remedy that by driving the transition towards advanced zero-emission and low-emission vehicles and accelerating the build-out of infrastructure necessary to support the next generation of transportation options.” 

“We encourage businesses to switch to cleaner alternatives and be the driving force behind cleaner air in the commonwealth,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Driving PA Forward will provide grants and rebates to upgrade and replace vehicles with cleaner alternatives, particularly in areas of the commonwealth with the poorest air quality This isn’t just school buses and tractor-trailers; projects to replace or upgrade tugboats, forklifts, delivery trucks, and many more vehicles and equipment will be eligible for funding.”

“Reducing smog and particle pollution is essential to maintaining healthy communities,” said Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine. “More than 380,000 children in Pennsylvania have asthma – something that is exacerbated by air pollution from diesel emissions. These grants and rebates will cut down on those emissions and help everyone breathe a little easier.”

Through a settlement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Volkswagen, roughly $118 million has been set aside for projects in Pennsylvania that reduce vehicle emissions which contribute to the creation of smog, ground level ozone, and acid rain.

In 2017, DEP solicited feedback from the public regarding the allocation of the uses of the funds as proscribed by the settlement.

Last year, the Senate and House transferred $30.4 million from a separate settlement with Volkswagen for the same violations by Attorney General Shapiro to the General Fund to help balance the budget.

Senate Bill 722 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) was also introduced last year to provide for the distribution of the $118 million settlement funds DEP will be announcing.

Visit DEP’s Driving PA Forward Grant/Rebate Program webpage for available details.   Click Here for the full, written Driving PA Forward Plan.

NewsClips:

AP-Scolforo: PA Funds Clean Air Grant/Rebate Program With VW Settlement

Sisk: Volkswagen Settlement Money To Go To Cleaner Vehicles, Engines

VW Diesel Settlement To Fund Grant Program For School Bus, Truck Operators

Hopey: Shenango Coke (Coal) Works Smokestacks Coming Down

Residents Unhappy With Notice For Shenango Coke Works Smokestack Implosion

Frazier: Sierra Club To Sue Cheswick Coal Power Plant Over Air Pollution

EDF Blog: Why And How We’re Zeroing In On Methane In Pennsylvania

Late Spring, Rain Propel A Rise In Pollen, Allergies

Pollen Counts In Central PA Among Highest In The Nation

Vog Warning For Hawaii Reminiscent Of 1948 Donora Fog Disaster

Editorial: Take A Drag Of Western PA’s Outside Fresh Air

AP: U.S. Senators: Trump Wants Year-Round Sales Of High-Ethanol Gasoline

U.S. Refiners Reap Big Rewards From EPA Biofuel Waivers

Related Stories:

DEP Seeks Input On Use Of $118 Million Volkswagen Settlement Fund To Reduce Air Pollution

Proposed Senate Bill Would Distribute Volkswagen Diesel Testing Settlement Funds

EPA Recognizes Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia With Asthma Management Award

Op-Ed: State Officials Need To Protect PA From Trump's EPA

[Posted: May 10, 2018]

5/14/2018