PA allocates $40M to swap diesel trucks for EVs
Pennsylvania Grants $40 Million for Diesel-to-Electric Vehicle Conversion
The diesel-to-electric vehicle conversion is gaining momentum in Pennsylvania as the state allocates funds to support localities and trucking companies in making the switch. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced $40 million in grants to 16 applicants, allowing them to replace aging diesel vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs).
These grants are made possible by the $119 million that Pennsylvania received as part of a settlement with Volkswagen in 2016-2017. The settlement was reached after Volkswagen violated emission rules.
“Clean air is crucial in ensuring a healthy environment,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “That’s why we see it as our mission to address one of the most significant air quality challenges facing our Commonwealth—emissions from transportation.”
The grants are part of the Driving PA Forward program, which aims to fund various electrification initiatives. While some grants will benefit municipalities, colleges, and state agencies, the majority of the funds will go to private companies.
For instance, Penn State University will receive a $3.3 million grant to replace a fleet of box trucks with battery-electric alternatives and install five EV chargers. The City of Erie will be granted $3.1 million to replace five garbage trucks with EV box trucks and add four chargers. Similarly, the City of Chester will receive $1.6 million to replace three garbage trucks with EVs and install one charger and two charging plugs.
SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, will also benefit from a $1.7 million grant to replace six trucks and establish supporting EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, the borough of Munhall in Allegheny County will receive $1.7 million to replace three garbage trucks and install an EV charger.
Among the private companies, Pro Disposal in Cambria County secured the largest grant of $6.2 million. This funding will enable them to replace 16 garbage trucks with EVs and install 16 DC fast-charging plugs. In Philadelphia, Sysco Leasing will receive $4 million to acquire 10 EV short-haul semi-tractors and 10 fast-charging plugs.
Other recipients include PGT Holdings in Beaver County, which was awarded $3.3 million to replace 10 short-haul tractors with eight battery-electric EVs and two hydrogen fuel cell EVs. The grant will also support the installation of eight fast-charger plugs and two mobile hydrogen fueling units.
Since 2018, the DEP has distributed a total of $70 million through the Driving PA Forward program, with an additional $13 million allocated for truck electrification in 2022. The program was established by former Governor Tom Wolf to improve air quality and achieve emission-reduction goals.
What are the main goals of the diesel-to-electric vehicle conversion program in Pennsylvania?
Program aims to reduce emissions from transportation, which is a major contributor to air pollution in the state. By replacing old diesel vehicles with electric ones, the initiative is expected to improve air quality and public health while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The $40 million in grants will be distributed among 16 applicants, which include local governments and trucking companies. These funds will enable them to transition from diesel vehicles to electric ones, thus promoting a clean and sustainable transportation system. The recipients will be able to purchase new electric vehicles and install charging infrastructure to support their use.
The diesel-to-electric vehicle conversion is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the economy. The switch to electric vehicles will create local job opportunities in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors. By supporting the growth of the electric vehicle industry, Pennsylvania aims to position itself as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the state’s long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions. Pennsylvania has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% by 2025, compared to 2005 levels. The diesel-to-electric vehicle conversion is a significant step towards achieving this target, as transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The grant program also highlights the importance of holding companies accountable for their environmental violations. The funds were made available as part of the settlement with Volkswagen, which was penalized for violating emission rules. These funds are now being used to support initiatives that promote clean air and reduce pollution.
In addition to the grant program, Pennsylvania is also investing in the development of a robust charging infrastructure. The state plans to install more publicly accessible charging stations to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. This will address one of the common concerns of EV owners, which is the availability of charging facilities while traveling.
Overall, the $40 million in grants for diesel-to-electric vehicle conversion in Pennsylvania is an important step in promoting sustainable transportation practices. It demonstrates the state’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality. By supporting localities and trucking companies in making the switch to electric vehicles, Pennsylvania is setting an example for other states and encouraging the growth of the electric vehicle industry. This initiative will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to job creation and economic development in the state.
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