Minnesota
Final Plan Details
On April 11, 2018, Minnesota released a final plan for the initial phase of deploying settlement funds, 2018-2019. Funds will be invested in communities across the state. In this first phase, MN will invest 25% of the overall funds ($11.75 million) through five grant programs as follows:
* School bus replacements: 20%
* Heavy-duty on-road vehicles - transit and trucks: 35%
* Heavy-duty off-road vehicles: 15%
* Heavy-duty electric vehicles: 15%
* Electric vehicle charging stations: 15%
School Bus Funding Opportunity $2.1 Million
On June 7, the MPCA released the first Request for Proposal under the Minnesota VW Settlement Diesel Replacement Program. The RFP will provide grants of $15,000 or $20,000 to school bus owners or their representatives around the state to replace old diesel school buses with new diesel, natural gas, propane or electric school buses. Grants will be awarded based on selection criteria that include emissions reduction, cost effectiveness, health effects, and environmental justice ramifications. Additional details are available on the School Bus Replacement Grant webpage. Training for interested grant applicants will be offered on June 13, 2018, at 1:30 pm. This training will be offered at the MPCA office in St. Paul, as well as electronically. The training will be recorded and posted on the grant webpage. The deadline for applications is July 19, 2018 at 2:30 pm central.
NGVAmerica
Comment Letter
Member Support
Letter
Informational
Website
Legislative Proposals
HB-1254 – Establishes propane school bus and fueling station grant program to be funded out of funds provided by the VW Settlement EMT. Specifically, directs that each year $1.5 million be set aside to fund school bus cost at 35 percent and stations at 50 percent cost, not to exceed $30K or $50K, respectively, and school districts are limited to 5 buses per year.
Status: to Education Innovation Policy.
HB-1355 – Companion SB 914. Imposes new requirement that any monies received as result of Clean Air Act settlements must be appropriated by law before they can be spent. Intended to impact the VW Settlement.
HB-2318 – Creates Low emission and Zero Emission School Bus Program to fund retrofit and replacement of school buses. Replacement buses must be NG, propane, electric or hybrid electric. Grants are limited to $100K per school. There also is a $500K electric bus pilot project. It directs that VW Settlement Funds be deposited in a special revenue fund and that each year $2 million is to be set aside for the Clean School Bus program, to be spent consistent with the Trust Agreement.
SB-914 – Companion HB 1355. Imposes new requirement that any monies received as result of Clean Air Act settlements must be appropriated by law before they can be spent. Intended to impact the VW Settlement. Status: hearing in Environment and Natural Resource Policy and Legacy Finance scheduled for 2/22/17.
SB-1256 – Companion to HB 1254. Establishes propane school bus and fueling station grant program to be funded out of funds provided by the VW Settlement EMT. Specifically, directs that each year $1.5 million be set aside to fund school bus cost at 35 percent and stations at 50 percent cost, not to exceed $30K or $50K, respectively, and school districts are limited to 5 buses per year.