Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

01/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 13:35

DEEP Announces over $1 million in Federal Grant Funds Available for Clean Vehicle and Marine Projects

Press Releases

01/09/2025

DEEP Announces over $1 million in Federal Grant Funds Available for Clean Vehicle and Marine Projects

Applications Due Feb. 13

(HARTFORD)-The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the availability of more than $1 million 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), covers up to 60% of the cost of new technology to replace older diesel engines. The use of new technologies can greatly reduce air pollution in addition to saving money in operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption.

DEEP is administering the DERA grants for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's State Clean Diesel Program. DERA funding presents an excellent opportunity to leverage federal funds to replace older diesel vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner equipment, including electric alternatives to diesel, which will benefit you while also helping to improve air quality and protect public health in Connecticut. This year, DEEP is only accepting applications for projects that replace diesel equipment with equivalent electric-powered vehicles, or for marine projects regardless of the replacement technology. Grant applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2025, and through February 13, 2025.

Since 2008, DEEP has awarded over $8.2 million in DERA funding for projects- reducing over 4,750 tons of diesel emissions.

"We are pleased to announce the availability of federal funds to support the transition from diesel engines to cleaner-operating, innovative zero-carbon technologies. Since 2008, we have funded some terrific projects through DERA, including zero-emission refuse trucks, electric school buses, and cargo tractors at Connecticut ports. We look forward to seeing more creative applications this round for cleaner operating technologies that will improve air quality, address climate change, and help to reduce emissions especially in urban areas," said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Why Diesel Air Pollution is a Problem

Air pollution from diesel engines presents real 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:

  • Diesel engines are a significant contributor to air pollution, emitting high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which exacerbates asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and similar respiratory conditions.
  • Air quality in Connecticut exceeded the federal health-based standards for ozone (smog) on 23 days in 2024. People experiencing severe symptoms from air pollution exposure are more likely to miss work or school and seek medical treatment.
  • According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in 2023, Connecticut incurred nearly $120 million in acute care charges due to asthma as a primary diagnosis.
  • The state's five largest cities (Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury), with a total population of 654,232, represent only 18% of Connecticut's total population, yet they account for nearly half (42%) of the $119.9 million in asthma total healthcare charges.
  • Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven all ranked in the top 100 most challenging cities to live with asthma in the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's annual "Asthma Capitals" list in 2024.

How to Apply for Funding

DEEP is currently seeking proposals from municipalities, agencies, businesses, and organizations for environmental projects that cost-effectively reduce diesel emissions with a focus on electric vehicle replacements and marine projects. All program limitations and requirements, forms and instructions are available on DEEP's Diesel Grants and Funding webpage.

DEEP held a webinar for prospective applicants on January 9. interested parties can access webinar materials at this link: DERA Webinar. Applications must be submitted by February 13, 2025.

Past DERA Projects

  • As part of DEEP's DERA Awards in 2022, SMM New England Corp. (DBA Sims Metals) received $607,400.10 toward the scrappage and replacement of a 2004 diesel-powered scrap material handler with an electric equivalent (See photo titled "ScrapMetalHandler").
  • Also as part of DEEP's 2022 DERA awards, Waterfront Enterprises, LLC (DBA Gateway Terminal) received $159,504.41 toward the scrappage and replacement of one MY 2001 diesel terminal tractor with an all-electric MY 2003 equivalent. Grant funding included the electric (vehicle) charging infrastructure (See photo titled "GantryCrane" for Diesel tractor and the electric gantry crane which was funded under DEEP's VW program).

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Contact

DEEP Communications
[email protected]
860-424-3110