VW Settlement Fund Progress
Background
In 2016, the United States, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a complainant against Volkswagen due to violations of the Clean Air Act. The allegations were that certain Volkswagen vehicles made between 2009 and 2016 were producing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions significantly greater then the act allows. The United States and California entered into three partial settlements with Volkswagen to correct this issue. The first partial settlement required Volkswagen to buy back or modify the emission systems of 85% of their violating vehicles. As well as, be held accountable for the excess Nox emissions by providing a $2.7 billion environmental mitigation trust. Also, Volkswagen was required to invest in and encourage usage of zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure, with a $2 billion ZEV investment program. The second settlement required Volkswagen to add another $225 million to the mitigation trust fund. Lastly, the third partial settlement addressed how to prevent future violations by the company. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) finalized the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan in 2018. In Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities’ Coalition the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have access to this funding.
Please find the links to each state’s plan for VW funding here:
Idaho
Idaho was accepting project applications through January 31st. The Idaho DEQ accepted applications to replace older, higher emission diesel vehicles with new, cleaner diesel, electric, or alternative fuel vehicles.
Montana
Montana is currently accepting applications for funding for clean transit bus replacement. The first round of applications are due by March 27th at 5:00 PM and results will be announced on April 17th. There is potential for a second round of funding to open up, and that will be announced at a later date.
Please find the link to the application, HERE.
Wyoming
Wyoming is currently accepting project proposals that will mitigate NOx emissions. These applications are due March 31st.
Please find the link to the application, HERE.