2026 Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust: Eligible Mitigation Actions

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking proposals for electric replacement or repower projects for eligible mitigation actions under the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. The purpose of this Request for Applications is to award the remainder of Vermont’s allocation of the Trust to eligible projects that reduce NOx emissions from mobile sources in the most cost-effective way possible and demonstrate the feasibility of all-electric heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. Some key points include: * Eligible projects include all-electric replacement or repower of Class 4-8 local freight trucks, school, shuttle, or transit buses, freight switchers, ferries or tugboats, airport ground support equipment, and forklifts. * Applicants must currently own and operate the existing vehicle or equipment to be replaced. * The vehicle/equipment/engine being replaced must be rendered permanently disabled within ninety (90) days of the replacement. * Grant recipients shall be required to provide documentation for each highway vehicle being replaced showing current valid Vermont vehicle registration and continuous certification of inspection. * Funding awarded under this RFA cannot be used for the purchase of vehicles, engines, or equipment to expand a fleet.