Pennsylvania DEP sends out $2.3M for alternative fuel vehicles, chargers

(The Center Square) — Local governments, schools, and businesses are set to receive funds to purchase dozens of alternative energy vehicles, hoping to curb emissions and clean up the air.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced $2.3 million will fund 27 projects for 85 vehicles and two dozen chargers for electric vehicles. The money comes from the state’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program.

"This funding builds on the Shapiro Administration's commitment to address climate change through alternative fuel solutions that are reliable and efficient. AFIG aims to increase sustainable and renewable energy throughout Pennsylvania's transportation sector, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality for many communities," DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said in a press release . "A substantial amount of air pollution comes from cars and trucks on the road, and through these projects, we are making Pennsylvania's air cleaner.”

The goal, Shirley noted, is to cut air pollution; almost half of the state’s nitrogen oxide emissions comes from gas and diesel vehicles, and the transportation sector produces 22% of Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Giant Eagle in Allegheny County received one of the biggest awards: $300,000 for ten class 8 compressed natural gas trucks. Bousum Transfer in Franklin County will also take $300,000 for eight CNG trucks for long-distance waste transfer, and the City of Philadelphia will receive $300,000 for two dual-port DC fast chargers for city use.

Other significant grants include $150,000 to KLS Logistics in Philadelphia for two class 8 EV trucks; $221,500 to Montgomery County’s Suburban Transit Network for eight class 3 propane transit vans; and $160,000 to Current Trucking in Schuylkill and York Counties for eight class 3 EV delivery vans.

Haverford Township in Delaware County is set to get $78,000 for five EV chargers for municipal use and Derry Township School District in Dauphin County will get $50,000 for five propane school buses. Other municipalities like Allegheny County will receive $22,500 for four EV pickup trucks and the Pittsburgh Parking Authority will get $30,000 for four EV trucks as well.

The money is the second round of 2023 AFIG funding and applications are open for 2024 funds through December 20. School districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses may all qualify.

AFIG money has also gone to offering $1,000 rebates for Pennsylvania residents who buy an electric vehicle. In 2021, more than 1,300 people took rebates; from 2011 to 2020, more than $14 million was sent out for EV rebates, benefiting the more affluent.