Driving PA Forward Initiative
Driving PA Forward funds projects to replace or upgrade diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner technologies to reduce air pollution and support cleaner transportation in Pennsylvania.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Electric Cargo Handling) | October 2026 (Truck and Bus Fleet) | March 2027 (MHD-ZEV Fleet Pilot)
Funding Amounts: Up to $13M (MHD-ZEV), $16M (Truck/Bus Fleet), $6M (Cargo Handling), $30M (Onroad Rebate); per-project and per-vehicle caps apply; typical project period 1–4 years.
Summary: Suite of grants and rebates to reduce diesel emissions in Pennsylvania by supporting clean vehicle technologies, equipment, and infrastructure.
Key Information: All dates are projected; program details and funding availability may change—check the program page for updates.
Description
The Driving PA Forward Initiative is a collection of competitive grant and rebate programs designed to improve air quality across Pennsylvania by accelerating the replacement or repowering of older, high-emitting diesel vehicles and equipment with advanced clean technologies. Funded primarily by the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust, the initiative targets reductions in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from freight and delivery trucks, buses, port cargo handling equipment, forklifts, marine vessels, and rail switchers, as well as supports the development of electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Programs prioritize projects in high-pollution and Environmental Justice (EJ) communities and seek to deliver measurable environmental, health, and economic benefits through the adoption of zero- and low-emission technologies.
