TCEQ Accepting TERP Applications

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Texas Emissions Reduction Plan program is now accepting applications for two types of grants designed to reduce air pollution:

• Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants fund replacement, repowering or retrofitting of heavy-duty vehicles, equipment, marine vessels, locomotives, and other engines to reduce NOx emissions. Approximately $60 million is available for these grants in this round. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2009.
• Rebate grant funding of $30 million is available for replacement or repowering of on-road and non-road diesel vehicles and equipment. Applications for rebates will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2009, or until all funding has been distributed.

Since 2002, when the program began, TERP projects have reduced an estimated 150,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, a component of ground-level ozone. For detailed information on how to apply and informational workshops, go to www.terpgrants.org or call toll-free at 1-800-919-TERP (8377). Owners of eligible vehicles and equipment that operate in counties in the nonattainment or near-nonattainment areas for national ambient air quality standards are eligible for funding. Eligible counties for this round of funding are:

Austin area: Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, Williamson

Beaumont-Port Arthur area: Hardin, Jefferson, Orange

Dallas-Ft. Worth area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Waller

San Antonio area: Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson

Tyler-Longview area: Gregg, Harrison, Rusk, Smith, Upshur