TCEQ Has Grants for Alternative Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recently announced that $12 million in grants is being made available to eligible individuals, businesses, and governmental entities to replace older diesel vehicles with new alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. Application deadline is June 30.
TCEQ Texas Clean Fleet Program grants, which are part of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), are offered to eligible entities that own and operate at least 100 vehicles in Texas and intend to replace at least 25 diesel vehicles. Projects must result in at least a 25 percent reduction of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX).
The eligible reimbursement amounts range between 50 and 80 percent of the purchase costs, depending on the model year of the vehicle and engine being replaced. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with projects ranked according to the cost per ton of NOX reduced by the project.
Recipients must agree to operate the grant-funded vehicles for a defined percentage of the annual mileage in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area, Dallas-Fort Worth area, Beaumont-Port Arthur area, Tyler-Longview area, Austin area, and/or San Antonio area for at least five years.
As of February 2010, TCEQ has awarded almost $800 million in TERP funding for the upgrade or replacement of more than 12,500 heavy duty vehicles, locomotives, marine vessels, and pieces of equipment. Over the life of these projects, more than 159,000 tons of NOX will be reduced.
For up-to-date program information, eligibility requirements, copies of the application forms, and a schedule of informational meetings visit www.terpgrants.org or call 800.919.8377.