IDEM Announces $3.5M in Grants Now Available for Clean Air Projects
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced Round 4 of the DieselWise Indiana with Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Option program’s grant funding which will distribute awards ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Total available funding for this round is $3.5 million.
Grant money will be awarded to clean air projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions from non-road vehicles or equipment across Indiana. IDEM is specifically encouraging potential project partners from southern Indiana due to the lack of applications from this region in the previous rounds of the program, with the hope and intent of realizing meaningful diesel emission reductions equitably across Indiana.
Example projects include installing idle reduction technology on locomotives, replacing diesel-powered switcher locomotives with all-electric locomotives or railcar movers, replacing existing diesel-powered marine engines with new clean-diesel powered engines, and replacing diesel-powered cargo handling equipment with new electric alternatives.
Projects from Rounds 1 through 3 included replacing a diesel-powered switcher locomotive with an all-electric shuttle wagon, replacing two landfill compactors with much newer clean-diesel machines, and replacing old diesel-powered terminal tractors with new all-electric alternatives serving the same purpose. These projects will result in notably better air quality for those that live and work around these areas.
Public and private entities may submit applications, and the Request for Proposals (RFP) deadline is December 16, 2022. Application information can be found at idem.IN.gov/airquality/dieselwise. Questions about the RFP process can be directed to IDEM Senior Environmental Manager Shawn M. Seals by phone AT (317) 233-0425 or by email at SSeals@idem.IN.gov
About DieselWise:
DieselWise Indiana is a statewide program supported with funds from Indiana’s allocation of U.S. EPA Diesel Emission Reduction Act funding along with a portion of the national Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund. The program is focused on equipment and vehicle repowers and replacements with newer, cleaner alternatives of various fuel types. IDEM expects to select projects in January 2023 with funds awarded soon thereafter. For more information about DieselWise Indiana, please visit www.idem.IN.gov/airquality/dieselwise.
About the Committee:
The Indiana Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund Committee (Committee) was formed under an executive order issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb on Oct. 4, 2017. The Committee will play a vital role in the disbursement of Indiana’s share of funds from the Environmental Mitigation Trust created as part of Volkswagen’s settlement of Clean Air Act violations regarding diesel emissions from its vehicles. Indiana will receive approximately $41 million under the terms of the consent decree. The Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust webpage is www.idem.IN.gov/airquality/volkswagen-mitigation-trust/
About IDEM:
IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.