The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is pleased to announce the availability of grant money to help reduce diesel emissions in the state. A reduction in diesel emissions is important for Oklahoma to achieve and maintain health-based air pollution standards and reduce risk from toxic air pollutants.

DEQ has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2017 Oklahoma Clean Diesel Grant Program. Since 2008, DEQ has awarded grants for the replacement, repower, and retrofitting of school buses across the state through this EPA-sponsored program. School buses will remain the priority; however, this round of funding has expanded to include other vehicle and equipment types. Applications will be accepted for replacement and idle reduction technology projects. Both public and private entities are eligible to apply.

Replacement Projects

• DEQ may fund up to 25% of the cost of replacement highway diesel vehicles and buses (other than drayage) powered by a 2017 model year or newer engine certified to EPA emission standards. Highway engine emission standards are available at https://www.epa.gov/emission-standards-reference-guide/epa-emission-standards- heavy-duty-highway-engines-and-vehicles.
• DEQ may fund up to 35% of the cost of replacement highway diesel vehicles and buses (other than drayage) powered by a 2017 model year or newer engine certified to meet CARB’s Optional Low-NOx Standards. A list of certified vehicles is available at https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/cert.php.
• DEQ may fund up to 45% of the cost of all-electric replacement highway diesel vehicles and buses (other than drayage).

Idle Reduction Technology Projects

• DEQ may fund up to 25% of the cost (labor and equipment) of eligible verified idle reduction technologies on long-haul trucks and school buses. A list of eligible, EPA verified idle reduction technologies is available at https://www.epa.gov/verified- diesel-tech/smartway-technology.

Applications are due January 19, 2018. Potential grantees can download the RFP and application by visiting https://www.deq.ok.gov/air-quality-division/clean-diesel-dera/. All program-related inquiries should be directed to roxanne.bueckers@deq.ok.gov.

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