A total of $375,960 is available for clean fuel engine and equipment replacement projects under a competitive grant Request for Proposals (RFP) announced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

The 2023 RFP targets efforts to replace diesel equipment, vehicles, and engines with zero tailpipe emission, hybrid, or alternative fuel (including Autogas) vehicles, engines, or equipment. Applicants can be private businesses/farms, cities, townships, villages, county government agencies, public school districts, private schools, public transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organisations, or non-profit entities.

Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2023, and projects must be completed by August 31, 2023. The funding for the engine replacement category includes, but is not limited to, replacing diesel engines with an engine certified for use with an alternative fuel (LPG or CNG), or a zero-tailpipe emissions power source (grid battery or fuel cell). Funding for engine replacement may cover up to 40% for alternative fuel engines; 50% for low-nitrogen oxide and up to 60% for replacement with zero emission engines.

EGLE will continue to incentivise low- and zero-emission engines, and this year’s RFP will be focused on replacement of agricultural irrigation pump diesel engines, diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and equipment with zero-emission replacements.

State and federal money fund the project, with the federal portion provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in accordance with the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.

Source: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Photo: Josh Garcia (Unsplash)

15 February 2023