(HARTFORD, CT) –The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the availability of up to $1,188,612 in federal funds for grants to local and state governments, as well as businesses and organizations, who want to replace large, older diesel engines and equipment with electric vehicle equivalents or newer, cleaner-burning engines.

The funding, which is provided under the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) can cover up to 60% of the cost of new technology to replace older diesel engines for certain projects. The use of new technologies can reduce air pollution as much as 80% in addition to saving money in operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption.

Grant applications will be accepted beginning October 21, 2022, and are due byNovember 30, 2022.

DEEP is administering the DERA grants for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State Clean Diesel Program, designed to support green technologies while reducing air pollution and addressing the public health and environmental concerns posed by diesel emissions in Connecticut. Projects eligible for DERA funding may include agricultural equipment, marine engine upgrades, emission control technologies for diesel vehicles, truck stop electrification, and replacing construction equipment.

Since 2008, $7.2 million in DERA funding has been allocated to Connecticut for projects reducing over 4,700 tons of diesel emissions.

“Air pollution from diesel-powered equipment, including trucks, continues to negatively impact public health in Connecticut, especially for our most vulnerable residents in communities across the state that have borne a historic and disproportionate impact from air pollution,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This DERA grant funding opportunity is another tool we use to transition older, dirtier vehicles and equipment off our roads, lands, and waterways and support further electrification of the heavy-duty vehicle and equipment sector.”

Why Diesel Air Pollution is a Problem

Air pollution from diesel engines presents serious public health concerns for Connecticut. Our communities, especially those in urban areas near transportation hubs and highways, suffer from exposure to sooty exhaust emitted by trucks, buses and other diesel engines. These emissions can make breathing difficult, particularly for children, the elderly, and other sensitive groups. Reducing diesel emissions continues to be a top priority for DEEP because: