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From Cherry Pickers to Fire Trucks, New Maryland Energy Administration Grants Help Replace Highly Polluting Equipment with Emissions-Free Alternatives 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Zink | 443-758-7344

First-year program to help Marylanders reduce fuel expenses, cut climate pollution sees strong demand, funds wide variety of vehicle upgrades

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the selection of 14 awardees to receive $8.6 million in total grants under the Maryland Energy Administration’s 2024 Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program. 

In a record-breaking year for applications, the new grants will assist Maryland municipalities, medical facilities, higher educational institutions, agricultural operations and local governments become more sustainable by transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and equipment. Grants will help replace formerly diesel-powered school buses, fire trucks and tractor-trailers with electric alternatives, cutting fuel costs, reducing pollution and improving public health.    

The fuel reduction is estimated at more than 5.63 million gallons of gasoline saved over the vehicles’ lifetimes, with a corresponding reduction of almost 3,000 tons of greenhouse gasses. That is equivalent to taking 625 average-sized passenger cars off Maryland’s roadways. 

“From cleaner air to improved cost-savings, the benefits of these new investments in a cleaner transportation future are as diverse as the types of vehicles this program helps upgrade,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Maryland is dedicated to cutting carbon pollution and other emissions from all transportation sectors, and the flood of applications we received for this funding shows just how willing Marylanders are to join the drive for a cleaner future.” 

Grants are provided based upon the type of vehicle or equipment, the environmental benefits, and the primary use within two major funding categories:

  1. On-Road Vehicles: Funding helps pay for the incremental costs of qualified medium-duty and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, such as electric trucks, buses, and other fleet vehicles.
  2. Off-Road Heavy Equipment Property: Funding helps pay for the incremental costs of zero-emission heavy equipment used in construction, earthmoving, and industrial operations.

“By investing in zero-emission transportation solutions, Maryland continues to lead in clean energy innovation and sustainability, ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for all,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky.

Recipients of the 2024 Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program include:

  • Anne Arundel County Board of Education, was awarded $1.5 million to replace six diesel school buses with battery electric buses (BEBs) featuring advanced technology and safety features.
  • City of New Carrollton, was granted $1.1 million to adopt an electric vehicle for senior and handicap transportation, demonstrating readiness through secured funding and strategic utility partnerships.
  • Frederick County Government received $2 million to introduce an electric fire truck and additional electric buses, aligning with their Climate Emergency Resolution and emphasizing environmental stewardship and zero-emission public transportation.
  • Sysco, awarded $1 million to transition their fleet to battery-electric vehicles, leveraging their experience in California and focusing on environmental justice communities in their delivery routes.

View the full list of FY24 Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program award recipients here. 

The Maryland Energy Administration anticipates that the application window for FY25 funding will be open later this year. 

The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency, visit us on our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook. 

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