Volkswagen Funding: Turning Lemons into Lemonade
We’ve been hearing about the $2.9 billion from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT) Fund for so long that folks were wondering if and when it would happen.
Now it’s here and public and private fleets are primed to take advantage.
More than half of our nation’s states have finalized their plans to fund state transportation projects that specifically reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Some states are still accepting public comments on how the money should be spent. (Visit the VW Settlement Clearinghouse to learn the latest about your state.)
Louisiana is the first state to release these mitigation dollars, with most of its $18 million dedicated to the replacement of older diesel buses. The first school district to take advantage of Louisiana’s funds, Lafayette Parish Schools, chose to purchase 10 Blue Bird Vision Propane buses. These buses are equipped with our ultra-low 0.02 NOx engine, which allows districts more opportunities for securing grants and funding for propane school buses. Plus, they are the most cost effective solution at NOx reduction.
But it’s more than just school buses that are eligible for EMT funding. Projects include Class 4-8 school bus, shuttle bus or transit bus replacement and Class 4-7 medium duty truck replacement. So whether you’re part of a school district, government agency or company with a fleet of vehicles, I encourage you to reach out to your state beneficiary. You can find your beneficiary at https://vwclearinghouse.org. Or you can reach out to us at propane@roush.com for help in securing funding in your state.
And if you’re in California, you won’t want to miss our two upcoming events: Join us October 17th at Rush Truck Centers in Whittier to learn more about EMT funding and to test-drive a variety of Ford Commercial trucks with our propane autogas low NOx technology. You’ll even have the chance to win NASCAR racing tickets. Click here to learn more and register.
And November 6-8, we’ll travel to Sacramento, Fresno and Los Angeles for a California Road Show. More details to come.
As we’ve all seen, oil prices are on the rise. Together, the available funding and our shovel-ready 0.02g NOx technology create a surge of economical opportunities. Now is the time to talk with your state beneficiary and to meet with us about replacing aging vehicles with cost-cutting, domestic and clean-operating alternative fuels.
