EPA Grants Fund Transition to Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicles Across the U.S.
Key Ideas
- The EPA's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will distribute $735 million across 70 applicants in 27 states, aiming to replace 2,000 internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission ones.
- Recipients include Boston Public Schools, Saint Louis Public Schools, North Central Texas Council of Governments, and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, focusing on various zero-emission vehicle replacements and infrastructure development.
- The program targets a range of vehicles like box trucks, school buses, and utility vehicles, with a few projects also including hydrogen fuel cell transit buses alongside supporting infrastructure and workforce training.
- The initiative is expected to reduce harmful emissions, create job opportunities, and enhance air quality, particularly benefitting communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, allocating around $735 million to assist 70 recipients in purchasing over 2,000 zero-emission vehicles. These grants, spread across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory, aim to replace existing internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles with cleaner alternatives. The program will also support the establishment of clean vehicle infrastructure and provide training for workers to deploy these zero-emission technologies.
Various organizations have been selected for funding under this initiative, such as Boston Public Schools, Saint Louis Public Schools, North Central Texas Council of Governments, and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Projects range from replacing diesel and propane school buses with electric units to transitioning vocational vehicles to zero-emission options. Some projects will involve the integration of hydrogen fuel cell transit buses, in addition to supporting infrastructure and workforce development plans.
The focus vehicles for replacement include box trucks, cargo trucks, school buses, shuttle buses, and others, with an emphasis on reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. The grants aim to not only cut harmful emissions from heavy-duty vehicles but also to create job opportunities and enhance air quality in communities, especially those facing disproportionate levels of air pollution.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes the importance of technical assistance, offering free support to various entities like states, communities, transit agencies, and school districts. This assistance covers planning and implementation related to zero-emission fueling and charging infrastructure, as well as the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Those interested in availing of this assistance can reach out to the Joint Office for further guidance.
Topics
Projects
Environmental Impact
Clean Energy
Job Creation
Infrastructure Development
Grant Program
Vehicle Replacement
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