Would you upgrade your diesel fleet and equipment to run cleaner and with greater fuel efficiency if you were given money to do so and it improved your bottom line?

At the end of March, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) will announce a new grant program to reduce diesel emissions.  The announcement will appear on IDEM’s Diesel Wise website, http://www.in.gov/idem/5255.htm. 

We’ve talked with key IDEM personnel about expected deadlines and other important details of the upcoming program.  Now is the time to put together your upgrade “wish list.”  Taft can help you with that, and with submission of your proposal to IDEM.

Questions and Answers:

How much money will be available through the program?

Approximately $5 million. The first $1.73 million will be funded with “stimulus money” under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, then IDEM expects to receive and award another $2 to $3 million through a national competition for additional grant funds.

What are some of the important deadlines?

IDEM expects to have applications available online by the end of March.  We understand that the deadline for submitting an application will be the end of April, and that IDEM will announce awards of the initial $1.73 million in mid-May, with awards of the “competitive” grants thereafter. 

What types of projects will be eligible under the program?

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, diesel oxidation catalysts  ($900/unit), particulate filters, diesel engine upgrade kits, and auxiliary power  units (APUs), with grants paying for up to half of the cost of an $8,000 APU. IDEM believes projects like these will reduce harmful emissions and, depending on the project, will improve engine performance, save fuel costs, and reduce wear and tear on engines.

Even if a grant offsets some or all of my upgrade cost, why should I take my fleet off the road and lose 2 or 3 days of work per truck while it’s in the shop? 

In addition to reducing harmful emissions, and depending on the project,  eligible upgrades could save you money in fuel costs and engine wear and tear.   For example, APU manufacturers say that a unit costing $8,000 can pay for  itself in less than one year.  So an upgrade completely or partially paid for with IDEM grant money can improve your company’s bottom line.  Equipping your vehicles with APUs also may help avoid violations and fines under increasingly common anti-idling laws.  Finally, proactive steps to protect the environment can be part of the positive image your company projects to customers and employees.

What if my wish list includes upgrading the diesel engine in my crane or other heavy equipment rather than a truck?

IDEM is willing to look at any proposal that legitimately reduces diesel engine emissions, including engine upgrade kits to make diesel engines run cleaner and more fuel efficient.

What should I do now?

Prepare a list of your ideal upgrades and contact Taft to help you complete the application and present your proposal to IDEM.