Ohio EPA Offers Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Grants

A new grant from Ohio EPA will assist owners of diesel or gasoline powered class 7 and 8 vehicles (weighing at least 26,000 pounds) to convert or replace engines to use CNG, LNG or propane. Grants also may be used for bi-fuel or dual-fuel vehicles that can run on both an alternative fuel and gasoline or diesel fuel.

The program is supported with $5 million allocated by the Ohio General Assembly from the Alternative Fuel Transportation Fund of the Ohio Developmental Services Agency. Eligible alternative fuel vehicles must be registered in Ohio for operation on public highways and be used in business. In addition, over half the miles driven must be within Ohio. The limit on the total grant award to applicants seeking to replace or convert multiple vehicles is $400,000.

A public information session to explain the new grant program and answer questions is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2018 in Columbus. Ohio EPA also will offer two conference calls to allow prospective grant applicants to ask questions on February 8 and 27. It is not necessary to pre-register to participate. Dial in information for the conference calls is included in the grant application guidelines.

Ohio EPA has posted the grant application for alternative fuel vehicle conversion grants and guidelines on the Ohio EPA Office of Environmental Education webpage. Applications may be emailed to derg@epa.ohio.gov beginning no earlier than 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6.

Eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis and the application opportunity will remain open until all available funds have been allocated.