Two Federal Funding Opportunities For Propane Autogas Vehicles

(May 2, 2018) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award approximately $40 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of the tons of pollution produced and harmful exposure, particularly from fleets operating in regions designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. The EPA is hosting the following Information Session regarding Request for Proposals: Info Session Date Webinar Link Conference Line Thursday, May 3, 20183:00 – 4:30 p.m. (ET) http://epawebconferencing.acms.com/dera18b/ (202) 991-0477Code: 4149804# The DERA program is aimed at reducing emissions of diesel engines and vehicles through a variety of means, including complete…

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(May 2, 2018) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award approximately $40 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of the tons of pollution produced and harmful exposure, particularly from fleets operating in regions designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

The EPA is hosting the following Information Session regarding Request for Proposals:

Info Session Date Webinar Link Conference Line
Thursday, May 3, 2018
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (ET)		 http://epawebconferencing.acms.com/dera18b/ (202) 991-0477
Code: 4149804#
The DERA program is aimed at reducing emissions of diesel engines and vehicles through a variety of means, including complete engine replacements that in turn use cleaner alternative fuels, among them propane. The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) outlines that entities eligible to receive funding are regional, state, and local agencies, and port authorities, among others, that have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Diesel vehicles and engines eligible for replacement include buses, among them all types of school buses, heavy-duty highway vehicles, non-road engines, and equipment and vehicles used in cargo handling at ports or airports, among other applications.

Eligible diesel reduction solutions include many clean, alternative fuel vehicle conversions such as propane. For these conversions, EPA will fund up to 40% of the cost, including labor and equipment, of a certified or compliant alternative fuel conversion. Eligible conversions must be with systems certified by EPA and/or California Air Resources Board-certified systems approved by EPA for intermediate-age engines.

The awards will be managed through the agency’s regional offices with anywhere between two and eight awards per region. Proposals for funding are due by June 12. EPA expects to notify recipients by July and issue awards this fall. More information about the request for proposals is available at epa. gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.

EPA proposal packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through www.grants.gov by June 12, 2018, at 11:59 pm (ET) to be considered for funding. Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions about grant funding fy18-dera-faq.pdf.
Propane Autogas Funding Opportunities Available From EPA and Federal Transporation Administration
Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Low-No Program provides another funding opportunity for propane autogas vehicles. The FTA will award $84.45 million in grants for the purchase or lease of propane autogas vehicles, as well as related equipment or facilities. VW settlement funds can be used for a local match. However, applicants must provide documentation that the funds have been reserved and can be used for the project. The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The Low-No Program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. Proposals must be submitted electronically at www.grants.gov by June 18, 2018, 11:59 PM ET. A webinar covering this opportunity will be held May 10, 2018 from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT. Click here to register for the webinar. Click here for grant details.

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