The Utah Department of Environmental Quality established an advisory committee to develop recommendations for Utah’s Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Plan.
Following the requirements outlined in the VW Settlement, the Committee was asked to:
- Identify and evaluate eligible actions and suggested funding options; and
- Develop recommendations for UDEQ to propose for public review and comment which address:
- an overall goal for the use of funds;
- a preliminary breakdown of funding for each type of recommended action;
- a description of the areas with a disproportionate share of the air pollution burden that will be impacted; and
- an expected range of emissions reductions
Advisory Committee Members
Included representatives from the Utah Legislature, the Utah Department of Health, the Utah Department of Transportation, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality-Division of Air Quality, the Utah Office of Energy Development, local governments, local health departments-including one that administers a diesel inspection and maintenance program, a metropolitan planning organization, the Uintah Basin, and air quality advocacy groups.
Advisory Committee’s Recommendation
| Funding Percentage | Eligible Mitigation Action | |
|---|---|---|
| 52% | Class 8 Local Freight Trucks (large trucks, engine models years 1992-2009) | |
| 25% | Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks (medium trucks, engine model years 1992-2009) | |
| 7% | Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, or Transit Bus | |
| 0% | Freight Switchers | |
| 0% | Airport Ground Support Equipment | |
| 0% | Forklifts (greater than 8,000 lb. lift capacity) | |
| 11% | Light-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Supply Equipment | |
| 0% | Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Option | |
| 0% | Ferries/Tugs | |
| 0% | Ocean Going Vessels Shorepower | |
| 5% | Administrative Costs | |
| Total | 100% |
Additional Criteria Suggested by VW Advisory Committee
- Bang for the buck – where/how can we achieve the most benefit
- Emissions
- Health
- Economic
- Population Exposure
- Opportunity to leverage funds with other funding sources
- This should include government funding
- Useful life of the vehicles
- Vehicles/equipment must be operational
- Vehicle equipment usage – miles driven and/or hours of operation
- Impact in nonattainment areas
- Incentivize emerging technologies