The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently awarded more than $2.1 million in 2019 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) to 18 cleaner fuel vehicle projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality and public health.
The purpose of the AFIG Program is to replace older gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles with cleaner-fuel vehicles to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. The program also provides fueling stations for these vehicles.
The program supports liquefied propane gas, biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, electric, and other cleaner fuels.
DEP administers the program under the Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Act of 2004.
“We’re committed to helping Pennsylvanians breathe cleaner air at school, in their neighborhoods, and at their workplaces and to reducing climate change by putting more cleaner fuel vehicles in use around the state,” Patrick McDonnell, DEP secretary, said.
Eighteen vehicle-replacement projects in 13 counties will put 82 cleaner-fuel vehicles on the road and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,349 metric tons annually.
Businesses, organizations, local governments, and schools are eligible for grants. The grants that were awarded this week ranged from $6,500 to $300,000.
Recipients receiving $300,000 are Tri-County Industries, two Noble Environmental projects, and two United Parcel Service projects to purchase 24 CNG tractors for use at its facilities in Willow Grove and New Stanton.