The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded more than $3.4 million in 2020 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIGs) to 20 cleaner fuel transportation projects state-wide that will help improve air quality and public health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change.

The AFIG Programme funds projects that will replace older gasoline- or diesel-fuelled vehicles supporting cleaner alternatives such as Autogas, natural gas and electric vehicles. It also supports installation of fuelling stations for these vehicles.

“These grants help cities, counties, school districts, colleges, as well as delivery, trash hauling, and other companies across Pennsylvania that want to be proactive in reducing air pollution from transportation,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Their projects will help Pennsylvanians breathe cleaner air at school, in their communities, and at their workplaces.”

The 2020 AFIG funded projects will put 209 cleaner fuel school buses, garbage trucks, package delivery trucks, and other vehicles in use. These will include:

• Tri-County Transportation: $313,500 for the purchase of 33 Autogas school buses that serve schools in Indiana and Jefferson counties.
• Wilson School District: $197,500 to install an LPG fuelling station for school buses.
• Derry Township School District: $34,000 to purchase four Autogas school buses.
• DMJ Transportation: $300,000 for the purchase of 34 Autogas school buses serving Greater Latrobe School District.

More than half the projects will help improve air quality in Environmental Justice communities, or census tracts where 20% or more individuals live at or below the federal poverty line and/or 30% or more individuals identify as a non-white minority, according to federal data. Collectively the projects are anticipated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 900 metric tonnes per year. For more information, please visit this link.

9 June 2021