Oregon DEQ extends application deadline for Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants Program
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, June 5th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OREGON – (Release from the Department of Environmental Quality) The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended the application deadline for the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants Program to Thursday, July 6, 2023. Previously, submissions were only being accepted through Tuesday, June 6, 2023. The grants provide approximately $8 million in funding annually for diesel equipment owners to replace older and more polluting diesel engines with new, cleaner technologies and exhaust control retrofits.
Business, government and tribal diesel equipment owners across the state are invited to apply for support for projects that reduce diesel emissions. Grants can be used in various ways, including replacing diesel engines or purchasing medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles. Owners of qualified vehicles requiring exhaust control retrofits under DEQ’s Diesel Retrofit Compliance Program may also apply for funding to support the installation of diesel particulate filters.
Starting in 2021, Oregon DEQ has provided annual DEM Program grants. Revenue comes from the Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund, subject to the settlement agreement between the United States and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and is expected to run at least through 2027.
Also, the Environmental Protection Agency allocates federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants to eligible states for diesel emissions reduction projects annually, totaling approximately $500K in funds. Beginning this year, DEQ will allocate the available federal DERA State Grant dollars through the annual diesel grants process. This will allow diesel equipment owners to access additional funds through a single application process. Federal guidance for 2023 has yet to be published. Therefore, DEQ will award this year’s grant dollars for applications that comply with current federal requirements.
Apply for funding using the Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant User Guide (Disponible en español aquí). For more information, please email dieselgrants@deq.oregon.gov.
