The Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust provides Nevada with funding through 2027 to offset NOx pollution. NDEP is the lead agency and follows the Nevada Beneficiary Mitigation Plan, which explains how funds are awarded.

Three funding areas

1. Diesel Emission Mitigation Fund (DEMF) — grants to replace older diesel vehicles and equipment
2. Nevada Electric Highway — EV charging infrastructure in rural and highway corridors
3. Nevada Clean Diesel Program — matching funds for federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) projects

Total funds committed

• DEMF: $16.1 million
• Nevada Electric Highway: $3.9 million
• Nevada Clean Diesel Program: $3.1 million

Key documents

• Download Beneficiary Designation Notice
• Download Nevada Beneficiary Mitigation Plan
• Download Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement (eligible project types)

Eligible project types

The 10 categories of Eligible Mitigation Actions are:

1. Class 8 Local Freight Trucks and Port Drayage Trucks
2. Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus
3. Freight Switchers (Locomotives)
4. Ferries/Tugs
5. Ocean Going Vessels (OGV) Shorepower
6. Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks (Medium Trucks)
7. Airport Ground Support Equipment
8. Forklifts and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
9. Light Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Supply Equipment
10. Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Option

Additional information

• Visit Volkswagen Light Duty Diesel Vehicle Violations for Model Years 2009-2016 | EPA (external link)
• Visit Attorney General Laxalt Announces Settlement With Volkswagen Over Emissions Fraud (external link)

Diesel Emission Mitigation Fund (DEMF) provides grants to public and private fleets to replace older diesel vehicles with new alternative fuel or zero emission vehicles. Older vehicles must be scrapped.

What NDEP looks for when scoring applications

• NOx reduction and cost effectiveness
• Project location
• Community benefits
• Likelihood of continued emission reductions
• Feasibility and readiness

Common eligible vehicles

• Class 4-8 medium- and heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks with a 1992 through 2009 engine model year
• Class 4-8 school buses, shuttle buses, and transit buses with a 2009 or older engine model year
• Tier 0, Tier 1, or Tier 2 diesel-powered airport ground support equipment
• Uncertified, or certified to 3 g/bhp-hr or higher emissions, spark ignition engine powered airport ground support equipment
• Forklifts and port cargo handling equipment with greater than 8,000 pounds lift capacity
• Pre-Tier 4 diesel-powered switcher locomotives that operate 1,000 or more hours per year
• Projects from the EPA’s DERA State Grant Program Information Guide that are not listed here
  • Visit DERA State Grant Program | EPA (external link)

Reference materials

• Visit Diesel Emission Mitigation Fund 2021 Competitive Application Webinar (external link)
   

VW Settlement funds support the Nevada Electric Highway by installing public charging stations along major travel routes.

Project types funded

1. Level 2 chargers
2. Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC)

Charging sites have been built in:

• Alamo
• Amargosa Valley
• Austin
• Baker
• Carlin
• Ely
• Eureka
• Fallon
• Goldfield
• Indian Springs
• Jackpot
• Jean
• Las Vegas (Speedway)
• Luning
• McDermitt
• Mesquite
• Middlegate
• Moapa
• Orovada
• Rye Patch
• Schurz
• Silver Springs
• West Wendover
• Wells

For more information:

• Visit Category 9: Light Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Supply Equipment
• Visit Nevada Governor's Office of Energy (external link)