Both public and private-sector entities that need to replace vehicles or equipment with green, cleaner energy options can receive help through a state grant program.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has over $1 million available to fund eligible projects through the Mobile Source Diesel Emission Reduction grant program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.
The grants’ purpose is to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Examples include school buses, nonroad construction or agricultural equipment, and heavy-duty on-road vehicles.
Bonus points will be given to projects that replace diesel with electric vehicles, the state noted. As well, additional points will be allocated to projects submiitted by minority-owned or women-owned businesses and in environmental justice communities or historically underresourced counties.
The application deadline is Nov. 14, 11:59 p.m. New users to the Grants Management System should request online access before Oct. 31 to allow enough time to submit. The 2021 grant program helped replace 11 vehicles, in turn reducing an estimate 23.5 tons of NOx.
A webinar will be hosted Sept. 28 on the division’s website. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Email tips or concerns to [email protected].
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