IDEM Announces $2M for Clean Air Projects
(photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Department of Environmental Management has announced the second round of grant funding from a statewide emission reduction program. The department says the funding will be awarded to clean air projects that “significantly reduce diesel emissions from nonroad vehicles or equipment across Indiana.”
The funding comes from the DieselWise Indiana with Volkswagen DERA Option program, which is focused on equipment and vehicle repowers and replacements with newer, cleaner alternatives of various fuel types.
IDEM says it will distribute awards ranging from $50,000 to $750,000, while total available funding for the round is $2.2 million.
The department says example projects include installing idle-reduction technology on locomotives, replacing diesel-powered switcher locomotives with all-electric locomotives or railcar movers, and replacing diesel-powered cargo handling equipment with new electric alternatives.
According to IDEM, first round projects included replacing a diesel-powered switcher locomotive with an all-electric shuttle wagon, replacing landfill compactors with new clean-diesel machines, and replacing old diesel-powered terminal tractors with new all-electric alternatives.
The department says public and private entities can submit applications. The Request for Proposals deadline is November 25.
IDEM says it expects to select projects in December and funds will be awarded soon after.
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.