The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the County of Hawai'i will receive $1,000,092 to support the purchase of three zero-emission vehicles. This funding comes from the EPA’s inaugural Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. The initiative aims to replace diesel vocational vehicles with electric models and install charging stations at County automotive base yards. Additionally, it includes a workforce development training program.
"Pollution from heavy-duty vehicles contributes to dangerous air quality across the country, including here in Hawai'i," stated Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator. "By replacing dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission models, this funding will reduce air pollution, improve health outcomes in nearby communities, and advance the campaign to tackle climate change."
The EPA's announcement also revealed that 70 applicants across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory are set to receive over $735 million for purchasing more than 2,400 zero-emission vehicles. The proposed replacements cover a range of vehicle types such as battery-electric box trucks and hydrogen fuel cell transit buses.
This grant program is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. It seeks to replace internal combustion engine heavy-duty vehicles nationwide with zero-emission alternatives while supporting infrastructure development and workforce training.
Over 3 million Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles are currently operational across the nation. Many older models emit higher levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. Reducing emissions from these vehicles is crucial for protecting public health, particularly for vulnerable populations living near freight routes.
The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program will facilitate the transition to zero-emission Class 6 and 7 vehicles by providing funding not only for vehicle replacement but also for refueling infrastructure and workforce training.
The EPA plans to finalize awards by early 2025 after completing all necessary legal procedures. Project implementation is expected over two to three years depending on each project's scope.
For more information about the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program or updates on award finalizations, visit their webpage or contact cleanhdvehicles@epa.gov.
