A public hearing is slated for late this month on grants that would be funded out of nationwide partial consent decree with Volkswagen.
The action with the United States Justice Department came out of the installation and use of emissions testing defeat devices in over 500,000 vehicles sold and operated in the United States beginning in 2009.
Use of these defeat devices has increased air emissions of nitrogen oxide.
The amount of the settlement allocated to Delaware is $9 million.
States are to identify and provide funds to projects that reduce the air quality impact from high-emitting diesel vehicles and engines.
The Trust establishes a process to administer and receive the funds and identifies vie categories of eligible mitigation actions.
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Air Quality has developed a proposed mitigation plan to accept and distribute these funds to eligible projects. The proposed plan is focused on the eligible types of mitigation actions that can produce the greatest air quality benefit in terms of nitrogen oxide emission reductions, reduce public exposure, and promote clean vehicle technologies.
See a draft copy of the state plan below:
[pdf-embedder url=”http://delawarebusinessnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/PROPOSED_DRAFT_VW-Mitigation-Plan-FINAL.pdf” title=”PROPOSED_DRAFT_VW Mitigation Plan FINAL”]
DNREC is planning a public meeting and comment period. Meeting details are as follows:
March 23, 2017 at beginning at 6 pm
State Street Commons Training Room
100 W Waters Street, Suite 6A
Dover, DE 19904
Public comments are being accepted until Close of Business Monday, April 3, 2017. Written comments may be sent to VW_Mitigation_Plan@state.de.us or mailed to: Division of Air Quality, State Street Commons, 100 W. Water Street, Suite 6A, Dover, DE 19904
