HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $2.3 million to 27 projects aimed at enhancing air quality across the state. This funding, provided through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program, will support cleaner fuel transportation infrastructure.
DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley highlighted the significance of this initiative. “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,” she said. “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 awarded AFIG projects reflect an array of low- and zero-emission transportation and electric vehicle infrastructure that will reduce air pollution.”
Addressing Emissions
In Pennsylvania, gasoline and diesel vehicles account for 47 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions. Transportation also contributes up to 22 percent of the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. The awarded projects will save an estimated 895,231 gallons of gasoline annually.
Funded Projects
The grant has been awarded to 25 recipients for 27 projects. These initiatives will result in the deployment of 85 alternative fuel vehicles, including 63 electric and renewable natural gas vehicles. Additionally, 22 new Level 2 chargers and three DC Fast chargers for electric vehicles will be installed. Notably, 17 of these projects are located in or serve Environmental Justice (EJ) areas.
The AFIG program supports the replacement of older gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles with cleaner alternatives and the installation of related fueling infrastructure. This aligns with Governor Shapiro’s agenda to create a comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow Pennsylvania’s economy, protect and create jobs, and address climate change.
Second Round of 2023 AFIG Funding
This is the second round of 2023 AFIG funding, with each project contributing to Pennsylvania’s clean energy economy. The funded projects will engage a diverse range of stakeholders in advancing sustainable transportation, including communities in EJ areas. DEP defines these areas as geographic regions characterized by increased pollution burden and sensitive or vulnerable populations based on demographic and environmental data.
2024 AFIG Program
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.
List of 2023 Second Round AFIG Projects
Allegheny County
- Allegheny County: $22,500 for four electric pickup trucks in EJ areas.
- Baldwin Borough: $15,000 for two EV passenger vehicles in an EJ area.
- Borough of Wilkinsburg: $22,500 for three EV passenger vehicles in an EJ area.
- Giant Eagle, Inc.: $300,000 for ten Class 8 CNG trucks in EJ areas.
- Pittsburgh Parking Authority: $30,000 for four EV passenger vehicles in an EJ area.
- Ross Township: $15,000 for two EV pickup trucks.
- Shikun & Binui America, Inc.: $2,918 for two Level 2 chargers at staging and shop locations, also in Washington County.
- University of Pittsburgh: $27,132 for four dual-port Level 2 chargers for the University’s light-duty electric fleet.
Beaver County
- Valley Waste Service, Inc.: $120,000 for six Class 8 RNG waste vehicles in EJ areas.
Bucks County
- Amber Dawn Photography: $7,500 for one EV passenger vehicle in an EJ area.
- Warrington Township: $15,000 for two EV passenger vehicles in an EJ area.
Centre County
- Pennsylvania State University: $11,625 for four EV passenger vehicles and one EV cargo van in an EJ area.
- Pennsylvania State University: $44,700 for eleven dual-port Level 2 chargers for the University’s EV fleet.
Chester County
- East Pikeland Township: $5,625 for one electric pickup truck in EJ areas and $49,585 for a DC Fast charger for the Township police fleet.
Dauphin County
- Derry Township School District: $50,000 for five propane school buses in an EJ area.
Delaware County
- Zero-Emission Electric Vehicle Program: $5,500 for one electric pickup truck.
- Haverford Township: $78,240 for five dual-port Level 2 chargers for the Township’s EV fleet.
Franklin County
- Bousum Transfer LLC: $300,000 for eight CNG trucks for long-distance waste transfer.
Montgomery County
- Suburban Transit Network, Inc.: $221,516 for eight Class 3 propane transit vans in EJ areas.
- John S Posen, Inc.: $11,010 for one Class 5 propane truck in an EJ area.
Philadelphia County
- KLS Logistics Inc.: $150,000 for two Class 8 EV trucks in EJ areas.
- City of Philadelphia: $300,000 for two dual-port DC Fast chargers for the City’s Department of Fleet Services and staff.
Schuylkill County
- Current Trucking LLC: $160,000 for eight Class 3 EV delivery vans in Schuylkill and York Counties, serving EJ areas.
Somerset County
- Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies: $95,000 for two EV passenger vehicles and two medium-duty EV box trucks in an EJ area.
Westmoreland County
- Shank Waste Service, Inc.: $120,000 for six Class 8 RNG waste vehicles in EJ areas.
- Exel Inc.: $115,000 for a Class 8 EV terminal tractor and a Class 6 EV truck operating at DHL supply yards, also in Wyoming County.
Through these grants, Pennsylvania continues to make strides in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring a healthier environment for all its residents.
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