Pennsylvania is charging ahead with plans for cleaner fuel transportation infrastructure. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded more than $2.55 million to improve air quality in communities through the vehicles.

The 2024 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant (AFIG) funding to municipalities and businesses will fund clean school buses, electric vehicle chargers, and other projects to lower air emissions from transportation.

“Communities are investing in zero- and low-emission transportation because they recognize this is a pathway to cleaner air and better health,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “This round of awarded projects will help with the robust deployment of electric delivery trucks, passenger vehicles, semi-trailer trucks, and more across Pennsylvania — along with the installation of three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. By providing opportunities to deploy cleaner transportation alternatives, DEP is affirming the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring Pennsylvanians have clean air to breathe and healthier communities as a result.”

In Pennsylvania, 47 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions come from gasoline and diesel vehicles, and transportation contributes up to 22% of Pennsylvania’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. The program provides funding to help school districts, municipalities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania replace these older gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles with electric, renewable natural gas (RNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol, biodiesel, or propane gas fueled vehicles.

But the buyers need to beware. The amount put forth by the state for this program is not always enough to fund an electric school bus, which could cost upwards of $300,000 and not always maintain a charge in winter conditions.

The grant program awarded funding to 14 recipients for 16 projects. Thirteen vehicle projects will provide 26 electric, 15 RNG, 48 propane, and 11 CNG vehicles, while three infrastructure projects will enable EV chargers at five locations.

We’re not against alternatives when it comes to transportation. But we have seen mistakes being made with the high cost for programs similar to these in New York state.

Recipients will likely take the state funds. But know the costs are a lot greater than what Pennsylvania is offering.