The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is offering $375,960 in Request for Proposals grants as part of the 2023 Michigan Clean Diesel Program by replacing diesel engines, equipment or vehicles with an alternative fuel or a zero-tailpipe emissions power source.
Irene Queen, an environmental analyst with EGLE, said the program has few requirements to apply.
“One of the great things about this particular program, is it doesn't have a lot of restrictions as to who can apply. I mean, it's open to agricultural farming, mining... Pretty much any kind of diesel equipment.”
However, EGLE requires all applicant and partner entities to have ongoing business operations that include a physical location in Michigan.
According to Queen, the program received similar funding last year.
“We funded one electric semi and that was a replacement of 45%," Queen said. "And then we funded one electric school bus at 45%.”
"Depending on what kind of vehicle you're replacing the older vehicle with, then that would depend on how much how many vehicles that you would get," Queen said.
Applications will be accepted by email until March 31, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Queen said EGLE is holding a webinar on February 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. to provide further information to those interested in applying.
In a statement, EGLE says a variety of local and county agencies are eligible to apply, including port authorities, public schools districts and non-profits among others.
- Agricultural Irrigation Pump Diesel Engine Replacement with Electric Equipment: Diesel engine must be replaced with an electric motor, or if the engine powers a generator that runs a submersible pump, by directly connecting the submersible pump to the electric grid. Funding may cover up to 60 percent of the cost of the electric motor, installation, and/or required electrical infrastructure (including electric line extension).
- Vehicle Replacement: Funding may cover up to 35 percent of the cost of eligible vehicles that meet the California Air Resource Board’s optional low oxides of nitrogen standards, and up to 45 percent of the cost of an all-electric vehicle replacement. Eligible drayage vehicle replacement may be funded up to 50 percent.
- Engine Replacement: Funding includes, but is not limited to, replacing diesel engines with an engine certified for use with an alternative fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas or propane), or a zero-tailpipe emissions power source (grid battery or fuel cell). Funding for engine replacement may cover up to 40 percent for alternative fuel engines; 50 percent for low-nitrogen oxide and up to 60 percent for replacement with zero emission engines.
