Oregon DEQ: Clean Diesel Grant Program

In the spring of 2013 EPA anticipates soliciting project proposals and awarding funding for projects to reduce emissions from diesel engines in Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho. Now is the time to consider how you can take advantage of this opportunity to become a cleaner diesel operation. Grant guidelines for eligible projects may change from year to year (see Federal Grants information below). Other considerations like cost effectiveness, size of the impact, partners engaged play important roles in determining which projects are ultimately funded.

For projects with a material benefit to Oregonians, DEQ will assist in developing proposals to increase the competitiveness of any project. Assistance may include proposal drafting, project design, partner recruitment, application assistance and technical analysis in support of the proposal. For more information contact Kevin Downing, 503-229-6549.

Federal Grants

EPA grant guidelines may change from year to year but these are typical of requirements in recent years.

Eligible diesel emission reduction solutions include verified emission control technologies such as retrofit devices, cleaner fuels, and engine upgrades, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, certified engine repowers, and/or vehicle or equipment replacement.

EPA Fact Sheet: Vehicle Replacement Guideline

Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment may include buses, medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives and non-road engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo (including at a port or airport), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps).

Only eligible entities can apply for these grants. Private parties can still receive grant funds by forming partnerships with these successful grant recipients. Eligible entities include port authorities, regional, state, local or tribal government agencies (or intertribal consortia) and nonprofit organizations or institutions that: a) represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or b) have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality.

State Grants

State grants have previously been available for:

Up to 100% of the certified cost of a qualifying Oregon diesel engine retrofit, and
Up to 25% of the certified cost of a qualifying Oregon nonroad diesel engine repower
Scrapping a truck engine

Retrofit Grants

Clean Diesel Retrofit Incentives Fact Sheet
Retrofit Fleet List Spreadsheet – Cost Effectiveness Calculator (XLS)

Repower Grants

Clean Diesel Repower Incentives Fact Sheet
Repower Fleet List Spreadsheet – Cost Effectiveness Calculator (XLS)

Clean Diesel Service Providers

This program is a partnership with vendors in the private sector and serves a number of purposes: it educates and recruits companies that repair and maintain engines and install retrofits. It allows Providers to refer their customers for clean diesel projects—many of the projects funded with grant awards resulted from these referrals. In addition to grant funding, DEQ works with Providers to identify projects for tax credits; several major fleets are already engaged in such projects.

DEQ maintains a list of Recognized Clean Diesel Service Providers. This list is not a recommendation from DEQ, and DEQ does not guarantee the work of the listed facilities; it is a guide of facilities that meet minimum experience and equipment requirements. Consumers are responsible for screening the facility to ensure they can perform the services according to their needs.

Forms and Guidance

Grant Regulations

OAR 340-259-0005 through 340-259-0065
Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.793 through 468A.803

Contact Information

Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative and Grants (includes technical assistance)
Contact Kevin Downing, 503-229-6549