Wyoming DEQ Volkswagen Funding
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now accepting grant proposals for emissions reduction projects across the state.
Proposed projects must involve methods to mitigate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles listed within the eligible mitigation actions established in DEQ’s Volkswagen (VW) Mitigation Plan.
More detailed information about eligible mitigation actions can be found in DEQ’s mitigation plan, which is available at https://deq.wyoming.gov/outreach-public-information/volkswagen-settlement/.
DEQ will fund accepted grant proposals from $1,000,000 of funding provided through the Volkswagen Settlement Funds.
In 2019, DEQ awarded over $500,000 VW Settlement funds to Grand Teton National Park, Western Wyoming Beverages, the Jackson Hole Airport, and Sublette County School District #1. YTCC supported both Jackson Hole Airport and Grand Teton National Park on their applications.
This is an open and competitive process. Applicants must submit their proposals to DEQ no later than 5:00 p.m. January 31, 2024, to be considered. Project applicants will be scored on a numeric, 70-point scale. Points will be awarded based on how well applicants demonstrate that their project meets the criteria specified in the DEQ VW Mitigation Plan, as well as the level of detail included in the applicant’s responses to application questions. All project applicants will receive fair and equal consideration.
The following criteria will be used in selection and ranking of proposals
received:
- Greatest NOX emissions reductions.
- Cost benefit – Projects that achieve the highest emission reductions at the lowest cost.
- Potential for achieving measurable NOX emission reductions in nonattainment areas.
- NOX Emission reduction benefits to areas of greater population density.
- NOX Emission reduction benefits to sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly.
Projects Eligible for VW Settlement funds:
- Class 8 Local Freight Trucks (Eligible Large Trucks)
- Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus (Eligible Buses)
- Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks (Medium Trucks)
- Airport Ground Support Equipment
Please reach out to alicia@ytcleancities.org if you would like to discuss a project.
Apply for the grant HERE.
YTCC hosted an informational webinar with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, you can find the recording HERE.
Celebrating 20 years of YTCC
Check out this beautiful video highlighting some of YTCC’s work over the past 20 years.
Congressman Simpson Honored with Clean Transportation Hero Award from YTCC
Idaho Falls, ID | April 17th, 2023 – Congressman Mike Simpson has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to clean transportation, economic and energy security by Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, a non-profit organization that promotes alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, energy efficient mobility systems and energy security in the region. Simpson was presented with the Clean Transportation Hero award at his office in Idaho Falls on Thursday, April 13th by YTCC staff, board members and stakeholders.
Simpson, who has represented Idaho in Congress for 25 years, has been a longstanding leader for clean energy and clean transportation. He has served on the House Appropriations Committee for well over a decade and has been instrumental in bringing clean energy funding to Idaho. For many years, he was the leading Republican on the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Department of Energy – he served as Chairman from 2014-2018 and Ranking Member from 2019-2022. Currently, he is serving as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Interior.
Simpson has played a major role in supporting funding for the Department of Energy resulting in support of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), a longstanding stakeholder of YTCC. INL’s work includes their motor coach fleet clean transportation research and demonstration projects, which now include the use of renewable diesel in their motorcoaches and one MCI full electric motorcoach. INL’s projects have been of significant benefit to the Greater Yellowstone region in terms of reducing emissions, improving air quality, and providing examples of alternative fuels successfully deployed in this cold weather climate region.
Additionally, he has helped to increase funding for two critical clean transportation programs that are important to Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities: the EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants, which replace and rehabilitate dirty diesel engines across the country, and the DOE Clean Cities Program, which enables the nation’s 75 Clean Cities Coalitions to help public and private sector fleets transition to clean fuels and vehicles, establish clean fueling infrastructure, and educate key local and state leaders and the public about the many benefits of clean fuels.
The City of Idaho Falls, another key YTCC stakeholder, is a leader in advancing alternative fuels and energy efficient mobility systems. Idaho Falls Power recently deployed an all-electric Ford Lightning F-150 in addition to their 4 other hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Last year the City of Idaho Falls also launched a micro transit system to serve the community, Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT). Under GIFT director, Kade Marquez’s leadership, GIFT operates 3 plug-in hybrid vans for its services. In addition to deployments, on March 16th, the City of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Power, GIFT and YTCC hosted a community electric vehicle charging station engagement lunch.
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director, Alicia Cox said, “Congressman Simpson has been a consistent advocate for energy secure clean transportation in our region and country, and we are pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions with this award. His leadership and support have been instrumental in advancing critical programs and projects that are making a real difference in reducing emissions, improving air quality, and providing energy security in this region and throughout the country. We are grateful for his partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to create a cleaner, more energy secure future for all.”
L-R: Tad Pearson, INL Transportation Services Manager and YTCC Board Member; Alicia Cox, YTCC Executive Director; Representative Mike Simpson; Basil Barna, YTCC Board Member; Bear Prairie, Idaho Falls Power General Manager; Kade Marquez, GIFT Transit Coordinator
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is the sole regional designee of the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. YTCC works to advance alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure, and sustainable transportation options to increase energy security and sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone region. For more information about Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities, visit their website at www.ytcleancities.org.
Wyoming Updates NEVI and VW Funding Timeline
Wyoming DOT updated their timeline regarding NEVI and VW Funding. Note the in-person workshop scheduled for May 9th in Casper, WY will be moved to May 24th if any delay in this timeline occurs. If the workshop is delayed, deadlines are also delayed by two weeks.
As a reminder, the NEVI funding can only be used along the previously designated alternative fuel corridors. Year one funding of the NEVI program will only fund stations in the towns of Pine Bluffs, Laramie, Wheatland, Douglas, Buffalo, Sheridan, and Sundance.
The VW Funding is an excellent funding option for communities and businesses that are not located along the alternative fuel corridor. There is a total of $1.2 million available. The draft process to apply for these funds will be posted on April 1st as noted in the timeline below. Some high level priorities and program guidance for VW funds are outlined in Wyoming’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy:
- VW settlement funds will be open to off route recipients and include Level 2 and lower output Level 3 charging at multifamily dwellings and businesses more suited to local area travel.
- These funds will support up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs for this program.
- Funds will be awarded to qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis until all funds are exhausted. Applications from corridor funded areas will not be considered in this pool.
In addition to the VW Funding, the Community Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant program is also a great option for communities not along the alternative fuel corridors. This program is not yet open but the program website, linked above, is live.
Yesterday’s Wyoming Timeline Updates below:
Recently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Standards and Requirements final rule. That release initiated actions for WYDOT and other state agencies to finalize the NEVI Funding Requests for Proposal (RFP) and the procedure for interested parties to apply for VW Settlement Funds.
While the NEVI final rules did answer some questions, it raised others. We continue to work with FHWA to clarify requirements and ensure the NEVI RFP is as comprehensive as possible. We are still waiting for some answers but feel we are far enough along to issue a predicted timeline for the next steps in the funding announcement process.
In addition, WYDOT continues to synchronize electric vehicle infrastructure support activities with other state agencies, which will require a longer RFP review process than normal. We will build that additional review time into RFP issuance and submittal schedules. This updated timeline is subject to change based upon FHWA responses and other State Agency review requirements.
Updated Timeline – Expected completion dates (NLT = no later than)
- Draft Cybersecurity requirement language received from the Wyoming Department of Enterprise Technology Service – March 3, 2023
- Final FHWA answers or clarification to NEVI final rule questions – March 7, 2023
- Draft RFP complete and submitted for State Agency Review – March 10, 2023
- RFP approved and posted for public review / comment – NLT April 1, 2023
- VW Settlement Fund Application Procedures posted – NLT April 1, 2023
- RFP questions due to WYDOT (RFP will provide additional information) – NLT April 21, 2023
- VW Settlement Application Procedures questions due to WYDOT – NLT April 21, 2023
- WYDOT response to RFP and VW Settlement application procedure questions – NLT April 28, 2023
- NEVI / VW Settlement Funding Workshop – May 9, Thyra Thomson State Office Building Casper, WY
- Registration procedures and agenda will publish NLT April 10, 2023
- Final questions for NEVI RFP due to WYDOT NLT May 31, 2023
- WYDOT response to additional NEVI RFP questions NLT June 7, 2023
- RFP closes for proposals – on or about June 15, 2023
- VW Settlement Fund Application submissions activate on or about June 15, 2023
There is a possibility the timeline could be delayed during the RFP review process or by additional guidance we may receive from FHWA. In that case we have a secondary date for the Workshop arranged at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building on May 24, 2023. If we must delay the workshop, the final questions, RFP closing, and VW Settlement Funding Application opening dates will also be delayed by two weeks. We will publish an updated timeline.
If FHWA publishes guidance for discretionary grant programs prior to the workshop, we will cover those programs at that workshop. We will post any additional information on this site when it becomes available.
Clean Vehicle Tax Credit
There is a lot of information to sift through when considering the new electric and fuel cell vehicle tax credit. We hope this one pager will help highlight some of the key aspects and help you on your journey towards utilizing this tax credit for your electric vehicle purchase.
Celebrating 20 Years
YTCC has been celebrating our 20th year anniversary and we continue to do so through this Spring. We compiled a timeline of our work for a poster at our in-person events and would love to share with you all here!
Town Council approves YTCC Electric Vehicle Charging Station Text Amendment
Town Council approves Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities LDR Electric Vehicle Charging Station Text Amendment
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities applied for an amendment to the Land Development Regulations to require specific percentages of electric vehicle charging station(s) and electric vehicle charging station ready spaces be installed at time of new building construction.
Contacts:
Alicia Cox, Executive Director
Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities
810-955-5811
Jackson, WY | January 19th — After the third and final reading at the January 17th Town Council meeting, the Town Council approved the electric vehicle charging station (EVSE) Land Development Regulation (LDR) amendment, establishing ordinance 1339, which became effective January 18th.
The EVSE LDR amendment, proposed by Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (YTCC), provides the guidance to require charging infrastructure and electric vehicle charging station “ready” spaces to support electric vehicle charging stations at newly constructed workplaces, multi-unit dwellings (MUDs) and residential locations. The intent is to install charging infrastructure at the time of construction, when it is least expensive to do so, and to allow future MUD homeowners or renters access to charging at home. Studies have found 80% of charging occurs at home. YTCC worked with Alex Norton of OPS Strategies, to develop the amendment language to best align with the LDRs.
Currently, there are 22 Level 2 and DC fast charging station locations with 49 ports available to the public. Only a handful are considered “workplace charging” where an employee can charge during their working hours. In addition, there are no level 2 charging stations currently available at MUDs. Those living in MUDs may not have a dedicated garage or even parking space and if they rent, the ability to charge an electric vehicle at home is even more complex and potentially cost prohibitive to install.
The number of registered electric vehicles in the Town of Jackson has outpaced adoption at the national level. Lower Valley Energy, the utility serving the Town of Jackson, provides some of the cleanest and cheapest electricity in the nation, providing Town of Jackson residents, businesses, and government entities the opportunity to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also saving on fuel costs.
“We are so pleased and fortunate to have town staff and elected officials who support and understand the importance of providing this guidance. This ordinance is a significant step towards the Town reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing equitable access to charging infrastructure and ensuring fiscal responsibility by installing or preparing sites for charging infrastructure at the time of least cost. We are very thankful to the Town Council for approving this measure.” Alicia Cox, Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Executive Director.
This amendment aligns well with the Town of Jackson’s NetZero 2030 goal. As the availability of charging infrastructure grows, the ability for all income levels of Town of Jackson residents to purchase an electric vehicle increases as well. In addition, the cost to install a station during construction is four times less than installing post construction.
“The Town of Jackson is extremely excited for this amendment because it addresses the future of EV charging in our community.” Johnny Ziem, Assistant Public Works Director, Town of Jackson.
“Not only do electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles, they also contribute less to air and water pollution. This ordinance will make it easier for the Town of Jackson to meet both our sustainability goals and the growing demand for electric vehicle charging while providing more residents with the freedom to drive the vehicle that is right for them.” Tanya Anderson, Ecosystem Stewardship Administrator, Town of Jackson.
The early models of electric vehicles were often considered luxury vehicles, but with all major car manufacturers having made commitments to electric vehicles, the number of base models available have grown to 40 with many at competitive sticker prices. Some new electric cars starting MSRP are around $28,000 and adding the $7,500 tax credit brings the price close to $20,000 for a new car. In addition, as electric vehicles are into their second decade of availability, used electric vehicles are more available. Finally, the inflation reduction act provided for the expansion of the electric vehicle tax credit to last until 2032 and used vehicles, at least 2 years old, can qualify for up to a $4,000 tax credit.
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Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities is the sole regional designee of the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. YTCC works to advance alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure and sustainable transportation options to increase energy security and sustainability in the Greater Yellowstone region.
Federal Funding Update
The bi-partisan infrastructure bill provides a historic level of funding for infrastructure; including roads, bridges, and broadband. Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities (YTCC) is closely following the funding earmarked for electric vehicle charging stations, alternative fuels and infrastructure, transit, and school buses. YTCC’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to understand what funding is available and to help you apply for the funding that suits your fleet’s needs.
The chart below displays the federal funds currently available, the federal entity they are available through, and the amount available.
*Both the Low or No Emissions Vehicle Program and Bus Facilities Programs closed applications on May 31st, 2022.
National Electric Vehicle Program (NEVI)
The National Electric Vehicle Program (NEVI) consists of 5 billion dollars that will be provided to individual states to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. The program guidance was released on February 10th and state plans are due on August 1, 2022. Then September 30th, the Federal Highway Administration will approve state plans.
Some requirements for this funding are:
- The charging stations have to be located along a designated alternative fuel corridor
- A charging station needs to be located every 50 miles within 1 mile of an interstate
- Each state needs at least four 150 kW DC (direct current) fast-charging stations with CCS (combined charging system) ports
- The charging stations must be at or above 600 kW of power to support at least 150 kW per charging port simultaneously
Learn more about the State of Montana’s NEVI Plan submission.
Learn more about the State of Idaho’s NEVI Plan submission.
Grants for Charging and Fueling Infrastructure
The new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program will provide $2.5 billion in discretionary funds over the next five years to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities. Grant program must be established by November 15, 2022
- 1.25 billion dollars is for fueling along designated corridors
- 1.25 billion dollars is for infrastructure for communities
- This could fund EV charging, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane infrastructure
- There is availability to provide inputs on state plans for this funding through your state’s department of transportation
Learn more about the program HERE.
Carbon Reduction Program
The Carbon Reduction Program will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking.
- Available funds must be obligated for projects that support the reduction of transportation emissions
- This program requires each state to develop a carbon reduction strategy no later then 2 years after enactment of the program
Learn more about the program HERE.
Clean School Bus Program
With funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s new Clean School Bus Program provides $5 billion over the next five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models. EPA is offering $500 million through the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates as the first funding opportunity. EPA will continue to update this page with additional Clean School Bus Program funding information and educational resources.
- $500 million available in 2022 for zero emission school bus rebates
- Who is eligible to apply:
- State and local governmental entities that provide bus service
- Eligible contractors
- Nonprofit school transportation associations
- Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or tribally controlled schools responsible for the purchase of school buses or providing school bus service for a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) funded school
- Applications are due August 19, 2022
Learn more about the program and apply HERE.
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program funds grants and rebates that protect human health and improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines.
- National, State, and Tribal grants are available for funding
Find more information about the program HERE.
Fiscal Year 2022 Vehicle Technologies Office Program Wide FOA
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) issued a notice of intent for a new funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for 2022. The activities to be funded under this FOA will support the deployment of clean energy technologies. This will include advancement of electric drive technologies, electrification of non-road vehicles, improvements in off-road vehicle charging, improved efficiency of engines using low-carbon fuels, and deployment of these technologies among diverse communities.
Learn more about the program HERE.
Wyoming Releases State Zero Emission Strategy
Click HERE to view the State of Wyoming Draft Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy for public review and comment.
This week the state of Wyoming released the first of at least two documents we will see this year that addresses how the State of Wyoming will support the development of Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure. This first one, is the long-term strategy that provides the foundation for executive agency synchronization and coordination to establish conditions to integrate these technologies.
The state is requesting the public to review and send suggestions to their public affairs team, dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov. The document will be available for comment until May 1. After the comments are reviewed it will be submitted to the Governor’s office for final approval.
The next document, Wyoming’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan, will post in early summer. That document will provide the details, as required by the NEVI Planning Guidance, about how the Wyoming Department of Transportation will execute NEVI funding.
We recommend reading through this document prior to the public engagement sessions Wyoming state staff are hosting over the next two weeks. Please see below for the locations, dates and times for the sessions. The state is hoping to receive feedback on their proposed EVSE incentive programs.
- Cheyenne
- Date and time: April 4, 1-3 p.m.
- Location: WYDOT Auditorium, 5300 Bishop Blvd.
- Casper
- Date and time: April 5, 9-11 a.m.
- Location: WY Oil and Gas Commission Hearing Room, 2211 King Blvd.
- Cody
- Date and time: April 5, 5-7 p.m.
- Location: Park County Public Library Grizzly Hall, 1500 Heart Mountain Street
- Riverton
- Date and time: April 6, 1-3 p.m.
- Location: Riverton City Council Chambers, 816 N. Federal Blvd.
- Jackson
- Date and time: April 7, 9-11 a.m.
- Location: Ordway Auditorium, Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane
- Rock Springs
- Date and time: April 7, 5-7 p.m.
- Location: WYDOT District Office, 3200 Elk Street
- Rawlins
- Date and time: April 8, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Rawlins Family Recreation Center, 1616 Harshman St.
- Gillette
- Date and time: April 11, 2-4 p.m.
- Location: Campbell County Library, 2101 S 4-J Road
- Sheridan
- Date and time: April 12, 10 a.m. – noon
- Location: Sheridan County Fulmer Library, 335 W Alger St.
Please visit website for virtual attendance option.