The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has launched a Clean Trucks Program to help Illinois fleets switch to zero-emission vehicles, lower fuel costs and build what the agency calls a cleaner, more resilient freight system.
The program launches with two major initiatives: $3 million for a new Clean Fleet and Freight Concierge Service and $935,220 in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding to help fleet operators replace older diesel vehicles with new, zero-emission alternatives, the agency said in a Nov. 2 release.
"Illinois EPA is committed to giving our state's fleet operators the tools, guidance, and financial assistance they need to meet their logistical objectives while furthering the state's climate goals," said Illinois EPA Director James Jennings. He said the program will provide individualized support to fleets interested in moving from diesel to electric but unsure where to start, and will ensure every fleet operator, regardless of size, has access to credible information and technical assistance.
Concierge service
The $3 million Clean Fleet and Freight Concierge Service is funded through the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program, which the Illinois EPA received in 2024 to support zero-emission commercial vehicle and infrastructure deployment statewide, according to the release. The concierge service is meant to support small to medium-sized fleets across the Northern and Southern Regions of Illinois, defined as the regions served primarily by the PJM and MISO utility grids, as they explore electric vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure.
The Illinois EPA is seeking qualified firms to launch the service. Contracts are worth an estimated $3 million.
Grants for fleet operators
The agency has posted a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $935,220 available to help fleet operators cover up to 45% of the costs of replacing eligible diesel-powered Class 5-8 trucks with new, battery-electric options. The State DERA Program lets participating states support grant, rebate and loan programs to reduce diesel emissions, the release said.
The Illinois EPA said the funds will help fleets reduce local air pollution and insulate their operations from volatile diesel fuel prices. Both efforts are part of the broader Driving a Cleaner Illinois initiative.
More information
For more information, the agency directs the public to the Driving a Cleaner Illinois webpage at epa.illinois.gov or the CPRG Program webpage, or to contact the Driving a Cleaner Illinois team at epa.deragrants@illinois.gov.
Source: the original release