Press Releases
11/04/2021
DEEP Announces Availability of New Funding for Diesel Emissions Reduction Projects
Up to $767,000 Available to Municipalities, Organizations, and Businesses for Environmentally and Economically Beneficial Projects that can be Initiated and Completed Quickly
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is announcing the availability of up to $767,000 in new funds for the reduction of diesel emissions in our state. DEEP is seeking grant proposals from municipalities, organizations, and businesses for diesel emissions reduction projects that are environmentally and economically beneficial, can be initiated promptly, and will be completed quickly.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (37%) and smog-forming air pollution (67%) in Connecticut, and DEEP’s recently released 2018 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report found that emissions from the transportation sector are increasing, putting us in danger of not being able to meet our 2030 and 2050 emissions targets.This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating to Connecticut a minimum of $344,000, authorized under the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), for projects to reduce diesel pollution in the state. In addition, DEEP has reserved the opportunity to more than double its DERA allocation using funds available through the “DERA Option” under Connecticut’s Volkswagen Mitigation Program (VW Program), which could increase the total to as much as $767,000.
DERA funding presents an excellent opportunity to leverage federal funds to replace older diesel vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner equipment, including electric alternatives to diesel, which will benefit not only the entity seeking replacement, but will also help to improve air quality and protect public health in Connecticut. A complete list of eligible projects is provided in the 2021 DERA Guidance Document. Projects must be completed by August 31, 2022.
“Air pollution from diesel engines continues to represent a significant public health concern in our state,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “As we learned from our latest Greenhouse Gas inventory Report, emissions from our transportation sector are increasing, and the harmful smog from these emissions lead to high rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, leading to two of our cities’ inclusion on a list of the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma. Too often, those impacted by this type of pollution are those who live in low to moderate income communities across the state. Funding mechanisms such as DERA are critical to solving this problem, and we look forward to funding another round of projects that will lead to better air quality for Connecticut’s residents.”
DEEP recommends interested parties review the aforementioned guidance document, to find out more details about DERA eligibility as well as some VW and DERA program differences. Note that many diesel emission reduction projects that are eligible for the DERA program are not eligible for the VW Program. Therefore, DEEP also recommends that you familiarize yourselves with the State of Connecticut Mitigation Plan under Volkswagen 2.0L and 3.0L Vehicle Partial Consent Decrees, Appendix D, on DEEP’s VW Settlement page as you consider options under both the existing DERA and future VW opportunities.
All parties interested in DERA funding are encouraged to apply. More information, including the required proposal form, can also be found on DEEP’s Diesel Grants & Funding page. Completed forms and inquiries should be directed to the attention of DERA Grants Administration at DEEP.MobileSources@ct.gov; proposals must be submitted no later than December 17, 2021.
DEEP, ACES, local officials, and other stakeholders recently celebrated the unveiling of the first full-size fully electric school bus in the state in North Haven, funded with DERA funds. Photo Credit: CT DEEP
The EVSE installation for the electric school bus in North Haven was completed by Nuvve and includes V2G capabilities. Photo Credit: CT DEEP
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110