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Federal Funding Update

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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 Wyoming’s NEVI Plan submission.
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.

EVs Face Unfounded Criticism

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Scientists acknowledge that changes are occurring at an accelerated pace and every action, or inaction, impacts our fragile future. The successful fight against the uphill battle of climate change requires a shift of attitudes in our culture, which is likely the greatest challenge.

The importance of delivering factual information, without hidden opinions, has been at the core of a recent argument between Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla Motors, and John Broder, a staff writer for the New York Times, over Broder’s review of the Tesla Model S and Tesla’s new web of “SuperChargers”. Broder’s account of his test drive-road trip stood out because of its blunt dissatisfaction with both the car and the company. Musk was shocked by this review as the car had previously received praise and proceeded to examine the driving logs of the car. Broder’s account of the test drive was found to be laced with exaggerations and lies intended to bash the progressive technology he was testing. When these facts and raw data were reported, it became clear that Broder pushed the boundaries of truth to aid his opinion.

EV-Volt-ChargingStation

Developing alternative ways to power our transportation system is critical to successfully addressing carbon emission, one important element of climate change. This fundamental shift, which for many is uncomfortable, requires public interest, support, and action. Electric vehicles, which effectively lower an individual’s carbon footprint, have been shown to provide a successful alternative to gasoline-powered automobiles, buses, and trains. EVs are excellent options for many people but continued development of this technology is necessary for wide scale application. Acceptance of this technology is directly influenced by media reports.

Inaccurate or disingenuous information contained in articles like Broder’s do nothing but create confusion and skepticism, which usually leads to inaction. The recent standoff between Elon Musk and John Border serves as an excellent example of how a lack of transparency and journalistic integrity can directly hinder progress. An individual’s ability to form a thoughtful opinion upon which to take action is limited if the data is presented is in an incomplete or skewed form. Articles such as Broder’s should either be more deeply investigated prior to publishing or be left to the Opinion pages.

-Peter Neal, COO Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund

Peter spent the past year in East Burke, VT as a junior at Burke Mt. Academy. He will return to  Jackson Hole for his Senior year at the Jackson Hole Community School. He is the Chief Operating Officer at the Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund while not XC-Ski racing.