The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded $2.3 million to 27 projects to improve air quality across the state, through cleaner fuel transportation infrastructure through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program.
“This funding builds on the Shapiro Administrationʼs commitment to address climate change through alternative fuel solutions that are reliable and efficient. AFIG aims to increase sustainable and renewable energy throughout Pennsylvaniaʼs transportation sector, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality for many communities,” said DEP acting secretary, Jessica Shirley.
In Pennsylvania, 47 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions come from gasoline and diesel vehicles, and transportation contributes up to 22 percent of Pennsylvaniaʼs overall greenhouse gas emissions. The awards will save an estimated 895,231 gallons of gasoline per year.
The grant awarded funding to 25 grant recipients for 27 projects. The projects will result in the deployment of 85 alternative fuel vehicles, including 63 electric and renewable natural gas vehicles, and will install 22 new Level 2 chargers and three DC fast chargers for electric vehicles. Seventeen projects are located in or serve Environmental Justice (EJ) areas.
The DEP AFIG program supports projects to replace older gasoline or diesel fueled vehicles with cleaner fuel vehicles and install related fueling infrastructure to improve air quality in Pennsylvania. It builds on Governor Shapiroʼs agenda to create a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow Pennsylvaniaʼs economy, protect and create jobs, and address climate change.
This is the second round of AFIG funding, with each project building on Pennsylvaniaʼs clean energy economy. The funded projects will engage a diverse range of stakeholders in advancing sustainable transportation. This includes Environmental Justice Areas (EJ Areas), which DEP defines as a geographic area characterized by increased pollution burden and sensitive or vulnerable populations based on demographic and environmental data.
The 2024 AFIG Program is currently accepting grant applications from school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania. Applications for the second round of 2024 projects will be accepted until December 20, 2024. More information is available on the AFIG Program webpage.
