The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is putting a hefty sum on the table to battle air pollution, with over $90 million in grants to reduce diesel engine emissions. Announced today, the grants are part of the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Program that seeks to swap out old, dirty engines with cleaner and zero-emissions technology. Applicants hoping to upgrade everything from buses to forklifts can now apply for a piece of the funding on a first-come, first-served basis through February 26, 2025, according to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District press release.
Dr. Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District, pointed out the urgency of the initiative. "Ozone-forming and toxic air emissions from older, heavy-polluting diesel engines affect regional air quality and create disproportionate health impacts in our most vulnerable communities," he stated, as per the Bay Area Air Quality Management District press release. The focus is to quickly and cost-effectively protect neighborhoods in the Bay Area by replacing these engines with cleaner technology, emphasizing that at least 80 percent of the funding is reserved to promptly help the most impacted communities, including West Oakland and Bayview-Hunters Point.
Eligible equipment for this initiative includes a broad spectrum of heavy-duty vehicles, extending to school and transit buses, marine vessels, agricultural and construction equipment, and more. The program's wide reach is a clear testament to the commitment to curtail toxic emissions across the board. Specific details on eligibility and requirements are made accessible through the Air District's site, where interested parties can start their application or contact the Grant Information line for queries.
The Air District has also planned a series of webinars to guide applicants through the process. Spanning various dates in October, these online sessions are set to cover everything from basic eligibility to funding amounts. Those looking to get schooled on the subject can register via a link provided in the press release. Those unable to attend can still find ample guidance online, where a plethora of information is available to ensure applicants can correctly navigate the program and capitalize on this multi-million dollar opportunity intended to aid in the fight against air pollution.
