Ohio EPA Offering Conversion Grants for Propane Trucks and Buses

A new grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assists owners of diesel- or gasoline-powered Class 7 and 8 vehicles weighing at least 26,000 lb. to convert or replace engines to use propane autogas, CNG, or LNG. The agency notes these cleaner fuels and technologies help improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions such as nitrogen oxide and fine particulates.

Grants may also be used for bi-fuel or dual-fuel vehicles that can run on both an alternative fuel and gasoline or diesel. The program is supported by $5 million allocated by the Ohio Assembly from the Ohio Developmental Services Agency’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Fund.

Eligible alternative fuel vehicles must be registered in Ohio for operation on public highways and be used in business. In addition, more than half the miles driven must be within Ohio. The limit on the total grant award to applicants seeking to replace or convert multiple vehicles is $400,000.

A public information session to explain the new grant program is scheduled for Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Ohio Department of Transportation auditorium, 1980 West Broad St., Columbus. The EPA will host two conference calls on Feb. 8 and Feb. 27 to allow prospective grant applicants to ask questions. It is not necessary to register to participate. Dial-in information for the conference calls is included in the grant application guidelines.

Ohio EPA has posted the grant application for alternative fuel vehicle conversion grants and guidelines on its website, epa.state.oh.us. Applications may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. beginning no earlier than 8 a.m. March 6. Eligible applicants will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis and the application opportunity
will remain open until all available funds have been allocated.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, published by Butane Propane News)