The Utah Division of Air Quality offers grants to oil and gas producers in the Uinta Basin to voluntarily reduce emissions to address winter ozone pollution caused by oil and gas operations. We use funds from oil and gas settlements to support special projects that improve air quality in the Uinta Basin.
Smaller operators of oil and gas facilities in the Uinta Basin will be prioritized.
Facilities located by populated areas (schools, residential areas, etc) will also be prioritized.
How will the program process work?
There will be two steps in the application process for oil and gas facility operators:
Operators will first submit a Pre-Approval Application: DAQ staff will review the application and approve a participant based on eligibility and prioritization criteria. Applying does not guarantee acceptance and approval into the program.
If approved, operators will then submit Post-Approval Information: The operator will purchase and install the new thief hatch and submit an invoice with other documentation to get reimbursed the incentive amount by DAQ.
Discovery Trail Project – Completed
Funding amount
Total Project Amount: $455,290
DAQ contribution: $230,000
Other contributions: $225,290
Project details
The Vernal City Discovery Trail project addressed safety and environmental concerns at Discovery Elementary School by constructing a paved trail and sidewalk. This new route enables students and families to walk or bike to school, reducing vehicle trips and improving air quality and community health. By connecting neighborhoods to Discovery Elementary, the trail eliminates the need for vehicles to make unnecessary trips, reducing idling and improving the local air quality.
Project impact
Provides 0.51 miles of trail and 770 feet of sidewalk for a safer, more sustainable transportation option to students and families in Vernal
Offers an accessible walking and biking route to Discovery Elementary School
Reduces the need for vehicular transportation, alleviating traffic congestion and minimizing emissions from idling cars
Eliminated 40-50 vehicle trips per day
Used by approximately 100 students who represent 14% to 17% of the school population
Total Annual Emissions Reduction for CO, NOx, VOC, PM2.5, and NH3 of 8,440.82 grams
Uintah School District Electric School Buses – Completed
Funding amount
Total Project Cost: $5,448,000
DAQ contribution: $957,000 for electric buses and $541,000 for charging infrastructure
EPA contribution: $3,750,000 for electric buses and $200,000 for charging infrastructure
Project details
The Uintah School District obtained funding from the EPA Clean School Bus program, and through a partnership with DAQ, received additional funding from oil and gas settlement funds. The combined funds replaced ten diesel school buses with electric and provided for the necessary electrical upgrades and charging infrastructure for the electric buses, including five DC fast chargers and five Level II chargers.
Project impact
Reduced 3,683 tons of emissions
Saved 325,945 gallons of diesel fuel
Provided healthier air for students, staff, and the broader community
