Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2016 | Apply Online

Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2016 (EPA) - FAQs

1) What is the Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2016?

It is a competitive EPA funding opportunity run through the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) to help Tribal communities reduce harmful diesel pollution by supporting projects that deliver measurable diesel emissions reductions and reduced human exposure near diesel sources.

2) What is the main goal of this program?

The main goal is to achieve meaningful cuts in diesel emissions (for example, reducing tons of pollutants from diesel engines) and to reduce exposure for people who live or work near diesel emission sources.

3) What types of benefits does EPA emphasize for proposed projects?

EPA emphasizes projects that can show clear, measurable emissions reductions and meaningful reductions in exposure, especially in locations where diesel activity affects nearby communities.

4) Are goods movement hubs a priority area for this funding?

Yes. A major priority is fleets that operate at, serve, or move through goods movement hubs such as ports, airports, and freight corridors, particularly when those facilities are located in areas known for poor air quality.

5) What kinds of diesel emission reduction strategies can be funded?

Funding supports a range of proven, verified diesel emission reduction strategies, including verified emission control technologies (such as exhaust aftertreatment controls), cleaner fuel approaches, and engine upgrades.

6) Does the program allow idle reduction technologies?

Yes. Proposals may include verified idle reduction technologies as part of a credible approach to reduce fuel use and emissions.

7) Are fuel-saving upgrades like aerodynamic improvements and low rolling resistance tires eligible?

Yes. The program allows proposals that use verified aerodynamic improvements and low rolling resistance tires that cut fuel use and emissions.

8) Can projects include repowering engines?

Yes. Applicants can pursue certified engine repowers, which means replacing an older engine with a newer, cleaner certified engine.

9) Can projects include replacing vehicles or equipment?

Yes. The program allows certified replacement of vehicles or equipment, and this can be one of the most impactful approaches when older diesel units are near the end of their useful life.

10) Is there a quality standard for the solutions proposed?

Yes. The common thread is that solutions must be credible and designed to generate clear emissions benefits, using proven and verified strategies.

11) What equipment categories are eligible under this opportunity?

Eligible equipment categories include buses, Class 5 through Class 8 heavy-duty highway vehicles, marine engines, locomotives, and a wide range of nonroad engines, vehicles, and equipment.

12) Are construction and cargo-handling equipment eligible?

Yes. Eligibility includes diesel-powered assets used in construction and cargo handling, including operations at a port or airport.

13) Are agricultural, mining, and energy production equipment eligible?

Yes. Eligibility includes equipment used in agriculture, mining, and energy production.

14) Are stationary diesel engines eligible?

Yes. Eligibility extends to certain stationary diesel engines such as generators and pumps, recognizing these sources can contribute significantly to local pollution and community exposure in some areas.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Native villages that have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.

16) What does it mean to have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality in this context?

Based on the program description, the framing targets entities that can manage or influence diesel fleets and related operations within their jurisdiction and can implement projects that produce verifiable air quality and public health benefits.

17) Is this a competitive grant opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a competitive EPA funding opportunity.

18) What type of funding instrument does EPA use for this program?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument.

19) What is a cooperative agreement in practical terms for this program?

The description indicates EPA may have substantial involvement during project implementation compared to a standard grant.

20) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The program is listed under CFDA 66.039.

21) What is the official funding opportunity number?

The official funding opportunity number is EPA OAR OTAQ 16 06.

22) When was this funding opportunity posted and created?

It was posted and created on June 14, 2016.

23) What was the application deadline?

The application deadline was August 23, 2016.

24) How many awards did EPA anticipate making?

EPA anticipated making about five awards.

25) What was the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) was $800,000 per award.

26) Which EPA office runs this opportunity?

It is run through EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ).

27) What kinds of fleets are especially important for this program?

Fleets associated with goods movement hubs (ports, airports, freight corridors) are a major priority, especially in areas known for poor air quality.

28) What should an applicant focus on when designing a project?

Applicants should focus on credible, verified strategies that can demonstrate measurable emissions reductions and reduced exposure for nearby populations, particularly where diesel activity is concentrated.