EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced Tuesday it is awarding $2.9 million to seven applicants for the PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program, an organization providing financial incentives and support for owners and operators of vehicle fleets to reduce air pollution.

According to officials, this grant program targets diesel-powered engine transportation sources to replace, repower, or retrofit them for better air quality

Transportation is one of our biggest areas of impact for improving air quality. This grant program addresses the pollution caused by diesel engines. By advancing Pennsylvania`s clean transportation infrastructure, we reduce harmful emissions of nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide across Pennsylvania. Replacing heavy diesel vehicles with new low- to zero-emissions equipment technology will help mitigate air pollution from transportation sources.”

said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley.

According to the DEP, air pollutants can impact the health of children, older individuals, people with diseases such as asthma and emphysema, and those who work or are actively outside.

Among the awarded projects of the PA State Clean Diesel Grant program include battery-electric vehicle (BEV) delivery trucks, a plug-in electric metal recycling materials handler, BEV terminal tractors, several clean diesel forklift and school bus replacements, and electrified parking spaces (EPS) at a regional, and a refrigerated freight distributor.

In 2024, The PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program will provide a total of $2,936,953 to the following seven award-winning applicants aimed at reducing their diesel emissions footprint while operating in the Commonwealth:

  • Sheetz: Awarded $102,484 for 28 electrified parking spaces for transportation of refrigerated tractor-trailers
  • United Parcel Service (UPS): Awarded $1,349,000 to replace 10 diesel Class 6/7 delivery trucks, with 10 BEV trucks and three BEV Class 8 terminal tractors; including two DC Fast Charging for four plugs.
  • United Scrap Metal: Awarded $207,042.50 to replace two diesel aggregate material handlers with new, clean diesel material handlers.
  • Collins Pine Company: Awarded $57,051.00 to replace two diesel forklifts with new, clean diesel forklifts.
  • Wilsbach Distributors: Awarded $577,283.00 to replace two diesel Class 7 beverage trucks with BEV trucks, including one Electric Vehicle charging station.
  • Fullington School Bus LLC: Awarded $364,687.50 to replace 15 diesel school buses, with new clean diesel buses.
  • Ben Weitsman of Scranton: Awarded $279,405.00 to replace one diesel aggregate materials handler, with a plug-in electric materials handler.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) visit their website.