Governor Ned Lamont announced on April 7 that Connecticut will make $15 million available from the Volkswagen emissions settlement to support clean air projects across the state.
The funding aims to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to unhealthy ozone levels, and is part of broader efforts to address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector is a significant source of both smog-forming pollution and greenhouse gases in Connecticut.
“Climate change and smoggy air pollution are hurting the folks who live and work in Connecticut and cannot be ignored,” Lamont said. “Our efforts to fight this pollution are all the more important as long as government leaders in Washington seem intent to give polluters a free pass.”
Administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), eligible projects must target reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. Projects can include replacing or retrofitting aging diesel vehicles such as school buses, upgrading off-road equipment, or repowering marine engines. Both government and non-government entities can apply for reimbursement-based grants.
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “With the federal government determined to weaken emission standards for cars and trucks, grant programs such as the Volkswagen settlement program are playing an increasingly important role in our ability to reduce diesel pollution that’s harming our health, and encourage companies to choose cleaner options.” Dykes added that previous settlement funds have helped spur investment in clean vehicles benefiting communities most affected by poor air quality.
Connecticut was allocated over $55 million from national settlements with Volkswagen after it was found that nearly 590,000 VW, Audi, and Porsche diesel vehicles sold between 2009-2015 were equipped with defeat devices designed to cheat emissions tests. The state has already spent more than $30 million on similar initiatives.
Applications for this round of funding must be submitted by June 11 at 5:00 p.m., with an informational webinar scheduled for April 21 at 1:00 p.m.