There is $1 million in federal grant funds available in Connecticut to replace old diesel engines and equipment with greener alternatives, according to a press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
These grants will help local and state governments, businesses and organizations to buy either electric vehicle equivalent, or newer, cleaner-burning engines, according to the press release. The funding, which comes through the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), will cover 60% of the cost of new technology that will replace the older diesel engines.
“We are pleased to announce the availability of federal funds to support the transition from diesel engines to cleaner-operating, innovative zero-carbon technologies,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a press release. “Since 2008, we have funded some terrific projects through DERA, including zero-emission refuse trucks, electric school buses, and cargo tractors at Connecticut ports.”
DERA has funded, and DEEP distributed, more than $8.2 million for projects in the state since 2008. These projects have decreased diesel emissions by 4,750 tons, according to the press release.
“The use of new technologies can greatly reduce air pollution in addition to saving money in operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption,” the press release stated. It went on to say, “DERA funding presents an excellent opportunity to leverage federal funds to replace older diesel vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner equipment, including electric alternatives to diesel, which will benefit you while also helping to improve air quality and protect public health in Connecticut.”
Air pollution is a series public health concern, the press release states. Exhaust from diesel engines can make it difficult for people to breathe and poses unique challenges for children and the elderly. It also worsens problems for people with pre-existing conditions, like asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory conditions.
“According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in 2023, Connecticut incurred nearly $120 million in acute care charges due to asthma as a primary diagnosis,” the press release reported.
The five largest cities in the state—Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and Waterbury—accounted for 42% of these charges, despite the combined populations of those cities making up less than 20% of the state.
There were 23 days last year where the air quality in Connecticut surpassed the federal health-based standards for ozone, or smog, the press release stated.
Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven are particularly bad. In 2024, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked them among the 100 most challenging cities to live in with asthma, the press release reports. Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven are particularly bad. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked them among the 100 most challenging cities to live in with asthma
“We look forward to seeing more creative applications this round for cleaner operating technologies that will improve air quality, address climate change, and help to reduce emissions especially in urban areas,” Dykes said in the release.
Applications opened on Jan. 9.
DEEP is accepting applications for projects that replace diesel equipment with equivalent electric-powered vehicles, and marine projects “regardless of the replacement technology.”
The deadline to apply for a grant is Feb.13.
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This half-baked idea will have very few takers. Those older Diesel engines just produce more power. As for refueling, substantially larger electric batteries will take 8 hours to recharge. What trucking company will be paying for those billable hours. One last thing, where are these trucks going to charge up? At a billion dollars apiece those charging stations that taxpayers paid for have a thousand miles between them. 🧐