{"id":6230,"date":"2024-08-13T03:20:05","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T07:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mea\/?p=6230"},"modified":"2024-08-13T15:19:48","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T19:19:48","slug":"from-cherry-pickers-to-fire-trucks-new-maryland-energy-administration-grants-help-replace-highly-polluting-equipment-with-emissions-free-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mea\/2024\/08\/13\/from-cherry-pickers-to-fire-trucks-new-maryland-energy-administration-grants-help-replace-highly-polluting-equipment-with-emissions-free-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"From Cherry Pickers to Fire Trucks, New Maryland Energy Administration Grants Help Replace Highly Polluting Equipment with Emissions-Free Alternatives\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n

Contact:\u00a0Tim Zink<\/a>\u00a0| 443-758-7344<\/p>\n

First-year program to help Marylanders reduce fuel expenses, cut climate pollution sees strong demand, funds wide variety of vehicle upgrades<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

BALTIMORE \u2013 The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the selection of 14 awardees to receive $8.6 million in total grants under the Maryland Energy Administration\u2019s 2024 Medium-duty and Heavy-duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fuel reduction is estimated at more than 5.63 million gallons of gasoline saved over the vehicles\u2019 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\u2019s roadways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom 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,\u201d <\/span>said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky.<\/span><\/strong> \u201cMaryland 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grants are provided based upon the type of vehicle or equipment, the environmental benefits, and the primary use within two major funding categories:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. On-Road Vehicles<\/span><\/strong>: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Off-Road Heavy Equipment Property<\/span><\/strong>: Funding helps pay for the incremental costs of zero-emission heavy equipment used in construction, earthmoving, and industrial operations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cBy 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,\u201d <\/span>said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    Recipients of the 2024 Medium-Duty and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Program include:<\/span><\/p>\n