The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has been awarded a substantial grant of $48,690,688 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grant Program. This funding, part of a $735-million pool designated for the purchase of over 2,000 zero-emission vehicles nationwide, aims to accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation options. The program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act, seeks to replace internal combustion engine vehicles with zero-emission alternatives, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for various purposes like transit buses, cargo trucks, and emergency vehicles. Governor Arnold I. Palacios expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting the benefits it will bring to the CNMI. The initiative involves not only acquiring new vehicles but also infrastructure development and workforce training to support the deployment of these innovative technologies. The project, expected to commence in January 2025, will replace 43 internal combustion engine vehicles with new electric heavy-duty ones and also invest in carport infrastructure, training programs, and grant management. This collaborative effort includes multiple agencies and institutions working together to realize the goals of improving air quality, reducing harmful emissions, and promoting public health in the CNMI. By embracing zero-emission alternatives, the CNMI aims to achieve significant savings in government expenses, advance renewable energy goals, and make meaningful progress in its energy transition. The ultimate goal is to replace aging vehicles that contribute to harmful pollutants with cleaner alternatives, thereby creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.