A DTNA Freightliner eCascadia charges. The grants are being offered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. (Daimler Truck North America)
Tennessee announced April 3 the availability of $19.4 million in grants to public, nonprofit and private fleets to replace eligible medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with greener vehicles.
The state grants are being offered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in environmental mitigation projects paid for with Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust funds.
“Replacing older diesel vehicles and engines with new, alternative-fueled options will reduce air pollutants that threaten public health and the environment,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “We look forward to awarding projects that will improve the air quality in Tennessee.”
Funds can be used to obtain new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles powered by propane, natural gas or electricity. Hybrid vehicles also can be funded.
Salyers
“Fleets may also apply to repower eligible medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with alternate-fuel or all-electric engines or drivetrains,” according to TDEC.
Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles eligible for replacement or repower include 1992–2009 engine model year Classes 4-7 local freight trucks with a gross vehicle weight between 14,001 pounds and 33,000 pounds that deliver freight.
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Other qualifying vehicles are Class 8 local freight trucks and port drayage trucks having a GVW of more than 33,000 pounds that are used for port drayage and/or freight and cargo deliveries.
“Eligible applicants are limited to one application each with a maximum replacement or repower request of 15 vehicles. Applications may include a variety of vehicles and/or fuel types designated under this program,” TDEC noted.
Applications are due June 13 by 4 p.m. Central time. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically at . This call for applications is TDEC’s fifth solicitation for projects under these grants. Tennessee’s allocation of the trust funds in the Volkswagen diesel settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice is $45.7 million.
