EPA Allocates Nearly $1 Billion in Grants to Fund Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Transition

The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program supports efforts to replace vehicles with zero-emiession alternatives.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• May 01, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled an initiative, allocating almost $1 billion to drive the transition to cleaner heavy-duty vehicles across America as part of President Biden’s agenda to combat climate change and air pollution and promote environmental equity.

According to a recent release, the newly launched Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program aims to support the replacement of polluting heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission counterparts. Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, this program will offer competitive grants to projects to reduce climate and air pollution, foster job creation and enhance air quality. 

“President Biden and his entire administration are working to ensure every community can breathe clean air. EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will slash climate and air pollution and enhance the country’s infrastructure by funding the deployment of zero-emissions vehicles and installation of supporting infrastructure,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement. “The program’s historic investment in zero-emission vehicles will secure our nation’s position as a global leader in clean technologies that address the impacts of climate change.”

The initiative targets the adoption and deployment of eligible Class 6 and 7 zero-emission vehicles, alongside investments in fueling infrastructure and workforce development. To facilitate broad participation, the EPA divided the program into the School Bus Sub-Program and the Vocational Vehicles Sub-Program. Eligible applicants include states, municipalities, tribes, territories and nonprofit associations involved in school transportation.

The deadline for applications is July 25, 2024, and the EPA anticipates announcing awards by year-end. This initiative builds on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and the Clean School Bus Program. More details on eligibility and how to apply are available on the EPA’s website.