Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program Fact Sheet & Guidelines

              Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program
Fact Sheet & Guidelines
Summary
This Fact Sheet & Guidelines document is to assist the applicant in understanding the objectives
of the Illinois Clean Diesel Grant Program and the types of projects that the Illinois EPA is
interested in funding. Be sure to read all of the documents contained in the links for the Illinois
Clean Diesel Grant Program on our website at www.illinoisgreenfleets.org in order to submit a
complete application.
Background
As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Campaign and the
Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative, the Illinois EPA administers the Illinois Clean Diesel Grant
Program. The goal of this program is to reduce particulate matter emissions and other pollutants
from diesel-powered vehicles and to improve public health. Studies have shown that diesel
emissions pose a health threat to children, the elderly, those with respiratory illnesses, and others
that are routinely exposed to particulate emissions. The Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis areas
do not meet the national air quality standard for particulate matter. Other areas of Illinois are also
at risk of violating this standard and/or have higher concentrations of particulates. The Illinois
Clean Diesel Grant Program will assist the State and various fleets in reducing diesel emissions to
provide a healthier environment and improved air quality in these areas and in our communities.
Diesel engines often have long service lives and can be rebuilt. There are many engines still in
use that were certified to less stringent emission standards in effect at the time of their
manufacture and lack the advanced emission controls in existence today. Engines manufactured
as recently as 2006 and those built during the 1990’s do not have the most advanced technologies
to reduce emissions. The engine manufacturers, diesel retrofit product manufacturers, and the
associated diesel retailers offer various types of engine retrofit technologies designed to reduce
the emissions of existing diesel vehicles and equipment. A few of these after-market equipment
options are also designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve operational efficiencies
resulting in cost-savings benefits.
Application/Project Information
1. Applicant Eligibility
The applicants eligible for this program include organizations in Illinois that operate diesel
vehicles and off-road equipment:
· Local governments
· School districts and school bus companies
· Colleges and universities
· Mass transit districts
· Businesses, including small businesses
· Truck owners/operators