United States (Federal)
Pollution Prevention Grants Program
The Pollution Prevention (P2) Grants Program supports state and tribal technical assistance, education, and research programs that help businesses and industries identify better environmental strategies and solutions for complying with federal and state environmental regulations. Eligible applicants include states, U.S. territories, and qualified state agencies, and colleges and universities. Local governments, private universities, private nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and individuals are not eligible for funding. Matching funds will be awarded and managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regional P2 program offices. Grant amounts awarded are dependent on Congressional appropriations for this program. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13104)
Point of Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
http://www.epa.gov
Air Pollution Control Program
The Air Pollution Control Program assists state, local, and tribal agencies in planning, developing, establishing, improving, and maintaining adequate programs for prevention and control of air pollution or implementation of national air quality standards. Plans may emphasize alternative fuels, vehicle maintenance, and transportation choices to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Eligible applicants may receive federal funding for up to 60% of project costs to implement their plans. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 7405)
Point of Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
http://www.epa.gov
Clean Fuel Fleet Program (CFFP)
The CFFP was implemented under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and applies to fleets in ozone nonattainment areas. The CFFP requires that a percentage of new cars, and light- and medium-duty trucks purchased by certain fleets meet lower hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emission standards. Individual states must ensure that appropriate fuels are available for operating these clean-fueled fleet vehicles. For more information, visit the Clean Fuel Fleets Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 7586)
Point of Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
http://www.epa.gov
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program
The CMAQ Improvement Program provides funding to state departments of transportation (DOTs), municipal planning organizations (MPOs), and transit agencies for projects and programs in air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas that reduce transportation-related emissions. Eligible activities include transit improvements, travel demand management strategies, traffic flow improvements, purchasing idle reduction equipment, development of alternative fueling infrastructure, conversion of public fleet vehicles to operate on cleaner fuels, and outreach activities that provide assistance to diesel equipment and vehicle owners and operators regarding the purchase and installation of diesel retrofits. State DOTs and MPOs must give priority to projects and programs to include diesel retrofits and other cost-effective emissions reduction activities, and cost-effective congestion mitigation activities that provide air quality benefits. For more information, visit the CMAQ Web site. (Reference 23 U.S. Code 149)
Point of Contact
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/index.html
Clean School Bus USA
Clean School Bus USA is a public-private partnership that focuses on reducing children's exposure to harmful diesel exhaust by limiting school bus idling, implementing pollution reduction technologies, improving route logistics, and switching to clean fuels. Clean School Bus USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign and provides funding for projects designed to retrofit and/or replace older diesel school buses. Eligible applicants are school districts, state and local government programs, federally recognized Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations.
Point of Contact
Jennifer Keller
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 343-9541
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Clean Construction USA
Clean Construction USA is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from construction equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance, use of emission-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels. Clean Construction USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign, which offers funding for clean diesel construction equipment projects.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Clean Ports USA
Clean Ports USA is an incentive-based program designed to reduce emissions by encouraging port authorities and terminal operators to retrofit and replace older diesel engines with new technologies and use cleaner fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign offers funding to port authorities and public entities to help them overcome barriers that impede the adoption of cleaner diesel technologies and strategies.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Clean Fuels Grant Program
The Clean Fuels Grant Program assists designated ozone and carbon monoxide air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards through grant funding. The program accelerates the deployment of advanced bus technologies by supporting the use of low-emission vehicles in transit fleets. The program assists transit agencies in purchasing low-emission buses and related equipment, constructing alternative fuel stations, modifying garage facilities to accommodate clean fuel vehicles, and assisting with the use of biodiesel. For more information, see the Clean Fuels Grant Program fact sheet. (Reference 49 U.S. Code 5308 and 49 CFR 624)
Point of Contact
Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management
U.S. Department of Transportation
Phone (202) 366-4020
http://www.fta.dot.gov/index.html
Tier 2 Vehicle and Gasoline Sulfur Program
The Tier 2 Vehicle and Gasoline Sulfur Program requires new passenger vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and vans, to meet stringent emissions standards. New emission standards apply to all light vehicles, regardless of whether they run on gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuels. Additionally, this program requires gasoline refiners and importers to reduce the sulfur content of gasoline sold in the U.S. For more information, visit the Tier 2 Vehicle and Gasoline Sulfur Program Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 7521)
Point of Contact
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
http://www.epa.gov
SmartWay Transport Partnership
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ground freight industry. It was designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution through increased fuel efficiency. EPA provides Partners with benefits and services that include fleet management tools, technical support, information, public recognition, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with states, banks, and other organizations to develop innovative financing options that help Partners purchase devices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, nonprofits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry.
Point of Contact
SmartWay Transport Partnership
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4767
Fax (734) 214-4052
smartway_transport@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/smartway
Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Tax Credit
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available for the purchase of qualified light-duty fuel cell vehicles. After December 31, 2009, the credit is reduced to $4,000. Tax credits are also available for medium- and heavy-duty fuel cell vehicles; credit amounts are based on vehicle weight. Vehicle manufacturers must follow the procedures as published in Notice 2008-33 (PDF 30KB) in order to certify to the Internal Revenue Service that a vehicle meets certain requirements to claim the fuel cell vehicle credit. Notice 2008-33 also provides guidance to taxpayers about claiming the credit. Form 8910 (PDF 267 KB) provides additional information and must be used to claim the tax credit. This tax credit expires on December 31, 2014. (Reference 26 U.S. Code 30B) Download Adobe Reader
Point of Contact
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Phone (800) 829-1040
http://www.irs.gov/
Supreme Court Rules U.S. EPA May Regulate Car Emissions
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases emitted from tailpipes are air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act. The court further ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases unless it can provide a scientific basis for its refusal. The decision came in the case of Massachusetts vs. EPA, 05-1120 (PDF 508KB), in which Massachusetts, California, and 10 other states filed suit against the EPA to force the agency to grant approval for their local programs to limit tailpipe emissions, beginning with the 2009 model year. The EPA had contended that it lacked authority to regulate those emissions or grant individual states the right to regulate them. Download Adobe Reader
U.S. EPA Denies California Vehicle Emissions Waiver Request
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied California's request for a waiver that would have allowed the state to implement its greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles. In explaining his decision, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson stated that recently enacted Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 establishes a national vehicle efficiency standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, and that this unified standard is preferable to a state-by-state approach. California's current waiver request is distinct from all prior requests in that previous waiver petitions covered pollutants that predominantly impacted local and regional air quality. For more information regarding this decision, refer to the EPA press release.
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 Signed Into Law
President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 (House Resolution 6), designed to improve vehicle fuel economy and help reduce U.S. dependence on oil. EISA aims to increase the supply of alternative fuel sources by setting a mandatory Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requiring transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, including advanced and cellulosic biofuels and biomass-based diesel. In addition, the law requires the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard to reach 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. The EISA is projected to reduce energy consumption by 7% and greenhouse gas emissions by 9% by 2030. For a summary of the major provisions set forth by the legislation, visit the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 page of the Federal Incentives & Laws Web site. The complete legislation can be viewed on the Library of Congress Web site.
Federal Court Upholds California's Vehicle Emissions Standards
U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Ishii ruled against a group of automobile manufacturers challenging California's authority to set and implement greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles. The auto industry had argued that the state's proposed regulations amount to setting fuel efficiency requirements for new vehicles, and that such efficiency standards can be set only by the federal government, specifically, the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A similar ruling was issued earlier this year in Vermont against automobile industry plaintiffs challenging that state's authority to adopt California's vehicle emissions standards. California's proposed standards would be gradually phased in between Model Years (MY) 2009 and 2016, and would require approximately a 30% reduction of tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles by MY 2016.
Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program
The Alternative Transportation in the Parks and Public Lands Program provides funding to support public transportation projects in parks and on public lands. The goals of the program include conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources, and reduced congestion and pollution. The Federal Transit Administration administers the program while partnering with the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to provide for technical assistance in alternative transportation options. Eligible projects include capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems such as clean fuel shuttle vehicles. For more information, see the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands fact sheet. (Reference 49 U.S. Code 5320)
Point of Contact
Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management
U.S. Department of Transportation
Phone (202) 366-4020
http://www.fta.dot.gov/index.html
Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) Program
The goal of the VALE program is to reduce ground level emissions at commercial service airports located in designated ozone and carbon monoxide air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas. The VALE program provides funding through the Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Charges program for the purchase of low-emission vehicles, development of fueling and recharging stations, implementing gate electrification, and other airport air quality improvements. (Reference 49 U.S. Code 40101)
Point of Contact
Jake Plante
Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Environmental Office
U.S. Department of Transportation
Phone (202) 493-4875
jake.plante@faa.gov
http://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/vale/
Clean Agriculture USA
Clean Agriculture USA is a voluntary program that promotes the reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from agricultural equipment and vehicles by encouraging proper operations and maintenance by farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, use of emission-reducing technologies, and use of cleaner fuels. Clean Agriculture USA is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign, which offers funding for clean diesel agricultural equipment projects.
Point of Contact
Trish Koman
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (734) 214-4955
Fax (734) 214-4869
koman.trish@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC)
The NCDC was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce pollution emitted from diesel engines through the implementation of varied control strategies and the involvement of national, state, and local partners. The NCDC includes programs for existing diesel fleets, regulations for clean diesel engines and fuels, and regional collaborations and partnerships.
Point of Contact
Jennifer Keller
National Clean Diesel Campaign
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 343-9541
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/
Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) Manufacturing Incentives
Through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, manufacturers of ATVs and components for such vehicles may be eligible for direct loans for up to 30% of the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the U.S. used to produce qualified ATVs or ATV components. Qualified ATVs must be light-duty vehicles that meet specified federal emission standards and fuel economy requirements. Qualified components must be designed for ATVs and installed for the purpose of meeting ATV performance requirements, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy. (Reference Public Law 110-140, Section 136)
Point of Contact
U.S. Department of Energy
Phone (800) 342-5363
Fax (202) 586-4403
http://www.energy.gov
U.S. EPA Grants California Vehicle Emissions Waiver Request
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted California a vehicle emissions waiver, which will allow the state to set standards to help control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from motor vehicles beginning with the 2009 model year. California first requested a waiver in December 2005, which was denied by EPA in March 2008. In early 2009, the California Air Resources Board submitted a letter requesting that EPA reconsider the waiver denial. Soon after, President Obama directed EPA to revisit the waiver request via a Presidential Memorandum. EPA re-opened a written comment period and held a public hearing to do so. Based on the review of statutory language, legislative history, comments received, and technological considerations concerning lead time and implementation costs, EPA determined that a waiver should be granted. This decision is consistent with EPA's traditional interpretation of the Clean Air Act, which gives EPA the authority to allow California to adopt its own emission standards for new vehicles due to the severity of the state's air pollution challenges. Once new federal vehicle standards for fuel efficiency and GHGs take effect, California has committed to allow automakers that show compliance with the national standards to also be deemed in compliance with state requirements. For more information regarding this decision, refer to the EPA press release and EPA's California GHG Waiver Request Web site.
U.S. EPA and U.S. DOT Issue Proposed Rule to Establish Federal Vehicle Standards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued a joint proposal to establish a national program consisting of new federal vehicle standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improved fuel economy. The standards would apply to Model Year 2012 through 2016 passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles, and are expected to increase average fuel economy by approximately 5% per year. The proposed standards would create the first federal limits on vehicle GHG emissions. For more information, see EPA's Transportation and Climate Regulations and Standards Web site, NHTSA's Laws/Regulations/Guidance Web site, and the proposed rule published in the Federal Register (PDF 4.2 MB). Download Adobe Reader.
U.S. EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Rule which will require mandatory reporting of GHG emissions from large sources in the U.S. Beginning on January 1, 2010, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial GHGs, and facilities that emit at least 25,000 metric tons of GHGs per year will be required to submit annual reports to EPA. Vehicle and engine manufacturers outside the light-duty sector will be required to report carbon dioxide emissions levels beginning with Model Year 2011 and other GHG emissions in subsequent model years. This includes heavy trucks, motorcycles, and non-road engines and equipment; requirements related to light-duty vehicles are not included in this rulemaking. The new reporting system covers approximately 85% of the nation's GHG emissions and will provide comprehensive data for analysis to help inform future policy decisions. For more information, see EPA's Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Web site.
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirement
Beginning January 1, 2010, vehicle and engine manufacturers are required to report annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Vehicle and engine manufacturers outside of the light-duty sector are required to report carbon dioxide emissions levels beginning with Model Year 2011 and other GHG emissions in subsequent model years. This includes heavy trucks, motorcycles, and non-road engines and equipment. The reporting requirement also applies to suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial GHGs and facilities that emit at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. For more information, see EPA's Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Web site. (Reference 40 CFR 86-90, 94, 98, 1033, 1039, 1042, 1045, 1048, 1051, 1054, and 1065)
Point of Contact
Greenhouse Gas Mandatory Reporting Rule
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone (202) 272-0167
ghgmrr@epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov
President Obama Signs Executive Order to Set Sustainability Goals for Federal Agencies
President Obama has issued an Executive Order that requires each agency to establish a Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, focusing on improvements in environmental, energy, and economic performance. Each agency will be required to measure, reduce, and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and establish an agency-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2020 as compared to 2008 baseline emissions. Reductions will be achieved through a variety of measures including reduced petroleum consumption, use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and fleet optimization efforts. Federal fleets of 20 vehicles or more will be required to reduce petroleum consumption by a minimum of 2% per year through the end of fiscal year 2020 as compared to 2005 baseline usage. Within 180 days, the U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the General Services Administration (GSA), will issue guidance on federal fleet management, addressing the acquisition of AFVs, use of alternative fuels, fuel economy improvements, fleet optimization, renewable fueling infrastructure, and other petroleum reduction strategies. For more information, see the White House press release and the Executive Order (PDF 87 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
