The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently awarded more than $39.6 million in 2022-2023 Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Pilot grants to 16 applicants for the replacement of diesel-fueled fleets with zero-emission vehicles.
The grant program was created to improve air quality statewide and funded by the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for State Beneficiaries. The program also focuses on projects located in underserved and disproportionately impacted communities.
“Clean air is crucial in ensuring a healthy environment,” DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said. “That’s why we see it as our mission to address one of the most significant air quality challenges facing our Commonwealth—emissions from transportation. These recommendations mark the highest-dollar awards in any round, for any Driving PA Forward Initiative funding program, showing a step forward in Pennsylvania’s effort in reducing these emissions by getting more clean trucks on the road in the communities that need them.”
The projects will replace dozens of vehicles including home delivery trucks, refuse/recycling trucks, and terminal tractors.
Awardees include:
Pro Disposal in Cambria County was awarded $6.2 million to replace 16 Class 8 refuse trucks.
Sysco Leasing in Philadelphia County was awarded $3.98 million to replace eligible Class 8, short-haul, semi-tractors.