ACOG Approves Public Fleet Alternative Fuel Vehicle Grants

ACOG Approves $521,000 For Public Fleets, Fueling Infrastructure

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors has approved grant funding awards for public-sector fleet alternative fuel vehicle and fueling infrastructure projects.

The City of Moore, City of Norman, Oklahoma Environmental Management Authority (OEMA) and University of Oklahoma / Cleveland Area Rapid Transit were awarded funding to defray costs related to the purchase of new compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse trucks and transit buses. The City of Oklahoma City was awarded funding for a CNG refuse truck as well as the purchase of a battery electric vehicle and an electric vehicle charger.

Total awarded to the applicants is $521,000. Total investment related to the projects is about $3.3 million.

“Our public fleets continue to be leaders in alternative fuel deployments that contribute to the economic, energy, and environmental security for our region” said John G. Johnson, Executive Director of ACOG. “Alternative fuel use has a direct positive impact on public health and our ability to stay in attainment with EPA air quality standards.”

Projects are scored in a completive grant process based on air pollution emissions reductions through replacement of older, high-mileage vehicles with new alternative fuel vehicles or new alternative fueling infrastructure. Of particular concern are reductions in emissions that cause ozone pollution (volatile organic compounds or VOC’s) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) as well as fine particulate matter PM 2.5. Reductions of these pollutants can lead to positive public health outcomes.

The ACOG Public Fleet Clean Air Grant program is funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program which provides a flexible funding source for state and local governments to fund transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments.