Are you looking to upgrade your vehicle and contribute to cleaner air in Texas? The Texas Car Assistance Program 2023, encompassing a suite of initiatives, offers various grant opportunities to help you transition to cleaner transportation. Administered by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through the Texas Emission Reduction Plan (TERP), these programs provide financial assistance for individuals, businesses, and government entities to adopt alternative fuel and emission reduction technologies. Let’s explore the key programs available under the umbrella of the Texas Car Assistance Program 2023.
Texas Clean Fleet Program (TCFP)
The Texas Clean Fleet Program is currently accepting applications and provides grants in eligible Texas counties. This program is designed to assist in replacing older, heavy-duty and light-duty on-road diesel vehicles with newer models that utilize alternative fuels or hybrid technology. By replacing older, more polluting vehicles, TCFP contributes to a significant reduction in emissions, especially in areas with air quality concerns.
Port Authority Studies and Pilot Projects Grant Program (PASPP)
For port authorities within eligible counties, the Port Authority Studies and Pilot Projects Grant Program offers funding for studies and pilot programs focused on reducing emissions from cargo movement. Specifically targeting nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), PASPP aims to improve air quality around ports. Interested parties are encouraged to contact TERP directly to learn more about how this program can support cleaner port operations. Contact TERP at 800-919-TERP (8377) or [email protected].
Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program (TNGVGP)
Also currently accepting applications, the Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program focuses on promoting the use of natural gas as a cleaner alternative fuel. This program offers grants in eligible counties to either repower heavy-duty or medium-duty vehicles with natural gas engines or to completely replace existing vehicles with new natural gas vehicles. TNGVGP aims to reduce emissions by incentivizing the adoption of natural gas vehicles in medium and heavy-duty applications.
New Technology Implementation Grant Program (NTIG)
The New Technology Implementation Grant Program is a statewide initiative currently accepting applications. NTIG supports the implementation of innovative technologies designed to reduce emissions of pollutants from facilities and other stationary sources across Texas. This program encourages the adoption of cutting-edge solutions for emission reduction, going beyond vehicle replacements to address broader sources of pollution.
Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program (LDPLIP)
For individuals looking to purchase or lease a new, cleaner car or truck, the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program offers statewide grants. This program encourages the adoption of eligible new light-duty vehicles, such as electric cars and trucks, by providing financial incentives at the point of purchase or lease. LDPLIP makes cleaner transportation more accessible to Texas residents.
Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP)
Supporting the infrastructure necessary for alternative fuel vehicles, the Alternative Fueling Facilities Program provides grants to construct or expand fueling stations. These stations should provide natural gas and other alternative fuels within the designated Clean Transportation Zone. AFFP helps to address range anxiety and fuel availability concerns associated with alternative fuel vehicles, promoting their wider adoption.
Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Program (THIVE)
Looking towards the future of clean transportation, the Texas Hydrogen Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Equipment Program offers grants in eligible counties for hydrogen-related projects. THIVE supports the adoption of hydrogen vehicles and equipment, as well as the development of necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This program is crucial for establishing hydrogen as a viable clean fuel option in Texas.
Rebate Grants Program
The Rebate Grants Program offers a straightforward approach to emission reduction by providing grants in eligible counties to upgrade or replace diesel heavy-duty vehicles and non-road equipment. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this program offers timely financial assistance for upgrading to cleaner diesel technology or alternative fuel options in heavy-duty applications.
Texas Clean School Bus Program (TCSB)
Focusing on the health of Texas children, the Texas Clean School Bus Program offers statewide grants to reduce emissions from diesel school buses. Eligible projects under TCSB include replacing older diesel school buses with newer, cleaner models or retrofitting existing buses with emission control technology. This program directly improves air quality in and around schools, protecting children from harmful diesel exhaust.
Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program (SPRY)
The Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program targets emissions in and around key transportation hubs. SPRY offers statewide grants to replace older drayage trucks and equipment operating at eligible seaports and rail yards. By upgrading equipment in these concentrated areas of activity, SPRY aims to significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality for surrounding communities.
Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program (GAFF)
The Governmental Alternative Fuel Fleet Grant Program is designed to assist government entities in transitioning their fleets to cleaner fuels. GAFF offers statewide grants to help with purchasing or leasing new vehicles that operate primarily on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cells, or electricity. This program supports government leadership in adopting alternative fuels and reducing public sector emissions.
Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants Program (ERIG)
The Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants Program takes a broad approach to emission reduction, offering grants to repower or replace various types of equipment. ERIG targets older locomotives, marine vessels, stationary equipment, and select non-road equipment to reduce NOx emissions in ozone nonattainment areas and affected counties in Texas. This program provides flexible options for emission reduction across multiple sectors.
The Texas Car Assistance Program 2023 provides a comprehensive suite of opportunities to access funding for cleaner vehicles and emission reduction projects. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a government entity, explore the programs listed above to see how you can participate in making Texas air cleaner while potentially saving money through grants and incentives. Visit the “Learn More” links for each program to understand specific eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and program guidelines. Take advantage of these valuable resources to drive cleaner and contribute to a healthier Texas in 2023 and beyond.
