Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency administers the Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund program as part of the state’s allocation from the Volkswagen environmental settlement, which was established to offset excess nitrogen oxide emissions from certain diesel vehicles that violated federal emissions standards. Through this program, Ohio EPA distributes funding to projects that reduce air pollution and modernize transportation-related equipment. The 2026 funding round focuses specifically on airport ground support equipment, targeting infrastructure improvements at airports located within designated priority counties across the state. The primary purpose of this grant opportunity is to support the replacement or repowering of aging diesel-powered airport ground support equipment with new all-electric alternatives. Eligible equipment includes items used to service aircraft between flights, such as baggage tugs, pushback tractors, forklifts, belt loaders, and similar machinery. The program aims to reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, and promote the adoption of cleaner technologies. All replaced equipment must be scrapped, and replacement equipment must meet current emissions standards, with funding limited to all-electric technologies for this grant cycle. Funding for this program totals approximately 2000000 dollars and is awarded through a competitive process. Grants operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning applicants must have the financial capacity to pay for project costs upfront and then request reimbursement after expenses are incurred and documented. Applicants may receive up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, with a minimum local match requirement of at least 25 percent. Projects are generally expected to be completed within 24 months, though applicants may request an extension up to 36 months with proper justification. Eligibility for this opportunity includes both government and non government owners and operators of airport ground support equipment located in one of the 26 designated Ohio priority counties. Equipment must have logged at least 250 hours of operation annually over the previous two years, and at least 75 percent of operating time must occur within eligible counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity, provide documentation of existing equipment eligibility, and commit to operating and maintaining new equipment within the program’s geographic requirements for at least five years after deployment. The application process requires submission through Ohio EPA’s online system, and applicants must create or access an account to apply. Required components include a signed applicant certification statement, a completed fleet data spreadsheet, a five year operational certification, and purchase quotes for new equipment dated within six months of submission. Non government applicants must also provide proof of creditworthiness. Applications must clearly describe project scope, operational plans, maintenance procedures, and availability of charging infrastructure. Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on August 3, 2026 and must be submitted by September 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Ohio EPA hosted an informational webinar on August 12, 2026 to assist applicants. Award announcements are expected by October 30, 2026. The program is recurring as part of the ongoing Volkswagen settlement implementation, with Ohio EPA continuing to release funding rounds until allocated funds are exhausted. Projects are evaluated based primarily on the projected reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions and the cost effectiveness of those reductions. Additional considerations include reductions in other pollutants, geographic distribution of funds, and prior performance of applicants on previous grants. Selected projects must comply with procurement regulations, reporting requirements, and documentation standards, including maintaining records for at least five years and submitting periodic progress and final reports. Questions about the program may be directed to Ohio EPA through the designated program email or contact channels provided in the application materials.

Focus on maximizing emissions reduction per dollar; provide strong cost effectiveness justification; exceed minimum match if possible; ensure complete documentation and eligibility verification