Environmental Management Assistance Program
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Extension for Medium and Heavy Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles Grant Program

DEP anounced it is extending the application deadline for grants through the Driving PA Forward Initiative’s Medium and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program.  The deadline for applications has been extended from March 1 to March 31, 2023. The intent of the program is to replace aging diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in Pennsylvania.  Model year 1992–2009 Class 4–8 local freight trucks that operate predominantly in Pennsylvania are eligible for replacement. Eligible project vehicles must be replaced with new zero-emission trucks of similar class and vocation. For more information, visit the Driving PA Forward MHD-ZEV Fleet webpage.

Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program Deadline Extension

DEP announced the extension of the Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program which provides funding to eligible agricultural producers for agricultural energy efficiency projects in Pennsylvania. The program provides rebates to assist agricultural producers with the purchase of light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, efficient ventilation equipment and efficient milk pumping and cooling equipment. The application deadline is being extended from March 31, 2023, to June 30, 2023.

Last Call for Small Business Advantage Grant Applications

The 2022-2023 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is still accepting applications but time is running short. Approximately $500,000 remains available for projects that help small businesses increase energy efficiency, reduce pollution, or protect our waterways. Many different types of small businesses, from manufacturing to retail to agriculture, may be eligible for funding under this program.  Funding is awarded first-come, first served so interested applicants should act fast! The application deadline for this year is March 24, 2023. All program documents are available on the Small Business Advantage Grant Website.

About the Advantage Grant

The Pennsylvania Small Business Advantage Grant is a program designed to help small businesses in Pennsylvania with 100 or fewer employees purchase energy-efficient equipment or adopt pollution prevention measures. The grant provides funding of up to 50% of the eligible project cost, up to a maximum of $9,500. To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be located in Pennsylvania, have been in operation for at least one year, and be current on all taxes and regulatory requirements. The application process is competitive, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Rebates Available

Availability of Funding

Under the Driving PA Forward program, for-profit small businesses may be eligible for rebates that install Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment.  The application period is currently open until funding runs out.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include businesses that are legally incorporated in or registered to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Eligible locations include publicly accessible non-government owned property and workplace property where the charging stations can serve either employee and/or light duty fleet vehicles.

Program Overview and How to Apply

The following video is offered by Pennsylvania DEP and provides an overview of the Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Rebate Program and a walk-through of the electronic application process.  

EPA Seeking Public Comment on the Inflation Reduction Act

EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation is seeking public comment on a set of non-regulatory dockets on various programs and grants related to the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.  The public, including small businesses, may comment on these dockets through January 18, 2023. More information on this Request for Information can be found here. Topics of the non-regulatory dockets include the following the areas:
  • Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
  • Funding to Address Air Pollution
  • Methane Emissions Reduction Program
  • Funding for Implementation of American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
  • Low Emissions Electricity Program & Greenhouse Gas Corporate Reporting

Applications for Medium & Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Grants now open

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for grants through the Driving PA Forward Initiative’s Medium and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program.  The deadline for applications is March 1. The intent of the program is to replace aging diesel vehicles with new zero-emission vehicles to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in Pennsylvania.  Model year 1992–2009 Class 4–8 local freight trucks that operate predominantly in Pennsylvania are eligible for replacement. Eligible project vehicles must be replaced with new zero-emission trucks of similar class and vocation. For more information, visit the Driving PA Forward MHD-ZEV Fleet webpage.

Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Now Open

Pennsylvania DEP officially opened the Small Business Advantage Grant Program on October 8, 2022.
This grant assists small businesses who are looking to make pollution prevention, energy efficiency, or natural resource conservation projects. Here are some important details on the grant:
    • The grant program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and provides matching grants which range from a maximum of 50% or $5,000 up to 80% or $8,000. The variation in grant funding amount is determined by whether the project is located in an environmental justice area, it results in significant environmental savings, or both.
    • Eligible projects must save the small businesses with a minimum of $500 per year and at least 20% in annual energy consumption or pollution-related expenses.
 

Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Pennsylvania DEP is once again offering rebates to farms and agricultural producers in the Commonwealth for energy efficiency projects.  The DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program is now open in its second year.  Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting September 17, 2022 through March 31, 2023. Implementing energy efficiency measures is typically one of the easiest ways for any small business, farm, or agricultural operation to reduce operational costs, save money, reduce waste, and do good for the environment. Eligible projects for these rebates include LED lighting, variable frequency drives for milk vacuum pumps, ventilation fans, and refrigeration or cooling equipment. Information on eligibility and rebate amounts can be found here.

2022 DEP Small Business Advantage Grant

The Pennsylvania DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program is opening in August and will soon be accepting applications. This is an excellent way for Pennsylvania small businesses to reduce their environmental impact while reducing operating costs and become more efficient. The Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) is a grant program providing 50 percent matching grants, up to a maximum of $5,000, to enable a Pennsylvania small business to invest in pollution prevention measures, install energy efficient equipment, or implement natural resource protection projects. Well-designed energy efficient or pollution prevention projects can help small businesses cut costs and reduce the risk of regulatory issues, while simultaneously protecting the environment. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Energy efficient LED lighting,
  • High efficiency furnaces, boilers and air conditioners,
  • Digital X-ray equipment,
  • Water & waste recycling processes,
  • Solvent recovery systems,
  • Agricultural BMPs.
Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pennsylvania businesses with fewer than 100 full-time employees are eligible to apply.  Applicants must be for-profit entities located in Pennsylvania and registered with the PA Department of State.  Eligible projects must save the applicant a minimum of $500 annually and save operating costs by a minimum of 25%. Applications will be accepted for small businesses to implement solar thermal (hot water) projects.  Solar hot water systems must function to serve the hot water needs of the small business.  Solar projects generating electricity (PV) are not eligible. CLICK HERE to learn more.

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Jeremy Hancher is the EMAP Program Manager located at the Widener University SBDC.  He holds over 15 years of experience in environmental compliance, environmental policy, and program management.  He is proud to be the team lead of the award-winning EMAP program which provides free and confidential environmental assistance to the Pennsylvania small business community in fulfillment of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act and Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act.
In 2015, Jeremy was part of the team effort when EMAP was recognized by US EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Environmental Assistance to the Small Business Community. Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate from the Wharton School.
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