The New York City Clean Trucks Program (NYC Clean Trucks Program) is a rebate incentive funding program to reduce diesel exhaust emissions by replacing older, heavy polluting diesel trucks with new battery electric, or EPA emission-compliant alternative fuel (compressed natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric) and diesel trucks. The NYC Clean Trucks Program is a unique environmental initiative offered by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to promote sustainable transportation and a cleaner environment in NYC. The program incentivizes local commercial fleets to transition away from diesel trucks by offering rebate incentive funding.
Truck owners may secure funding from $12,000 up to $185,000 per truck replacement, depending on fuel type and truck class size.
The NYC Clean Trucks Program targets businesses that move goods and commercial truck operators located in or providing service within a half-mile of program-approved NYC Industrial Business Zones (IBZs). These IBZs are thriving, high-performing manufacturing and industrial zones ratified by the City of New York in 2006 to protect existing manufacturing districts, foster economic development, and encourage industrial growth citywide.
However, due to the heavy manufacturing and industrial uses in IBZ areas, communities surrounding IBZs suffer disproportionate levels of vehicle and industrial emissions, causing local public health hazards and environmental issues. Also known as environmental justice (EJ) communities, these areas have historically been subject to higher levels of diesel exhaust emissions from idling diesel engines, intensive truck infrastructure, and dense highway networks.
Air pollution remains a leading environmental threat to the health of New Yorkers. Levels of air pollution continue to cause serious health problems, contributing to hospital admissions and deaths from both heart and lung problems. It is estimated that harmful particulate matter (PM2.5) contributes to more than 3,000 deaths and over 6,000 emergency visits and hospitalization for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases each year in NYC.
By prioritizing truck replacement projects for businesses operating in IBZs, the NYC Clean Trucks Program aims to address this public health concern and provide a solution for reducing levels of diesel pollutants in these EJ communities. Zero-emission and alternative fuel vehicles that travel within and around IBZs and EJ neighborhoods will help lessen the burden of diesel exhaust and reduce the harmful impact of these pollutants on residents. Zero-emission vehicles use onboard batteries and an electric motor to power the vehicle and therefore produce no exhaust. Alternative fuel trucks reduce harmful emissions in our communities and promote a healthier and safer New York City.
Qualifying truck owners can take advantage of first-come, first-served NYC Clean Trucks Program funding and resources by applying today.
Check out the NYC Clean Trucks Program website to discover:
- How to qualify for funding to replace a Class 4 to Class 8 diesel truck equipped with a model year 1992-2009 Engine.
- Eligibility criteria for the older, qualifying diesel truck.
- Eligibility criteria for the new replacement truck.
- Clean Truck Options.
The NYC Clean Trucks Program is funded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) under the Volkswagen Diesel Emission Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for State Beneficiaries, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia (VW Trust). The program will administer approximately $9.8 million in Volkswagen Settlement Funds to replace older, heavy polluting diesel-powered trucks in NYC with new, less polluting trucks. This will help improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, improve public health, and promote investment in cleaner, advanced trucks and transportation technologies.
Visit www.nycctp.com or call 1-877-310-2733 to find out more about the program. Visit empirecleancities.org for more information on alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, and other fleet resources.
