The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s 2020 Clean Diesel Rebate Program is now accepting applications for two types of rebates—local diesel truck replacements and agricultural irrigation pump diesel engine replacements. Applications must be submitted to DWEE by January 22, 2021, to be considered.

DWEE established the Nebraska Clean Diesel Program in 2008 to distribute funding received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality in the state.

The number of rebates offered in each category listed below may be subject to change, depending on the number of applications received in each category. Rebates will be offered for:

Local Diesel Truck Replacements – Funding will assist with the early replacement of diesel trucks with new, cleaner trucks. Trucks eligible for replacement are heavy-duty diesel refuse trucks and medium- to heavy-duty diesel trucks used in local construction, delivery or maintenance operations. The new trucks may be powered by diesel engines or by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines that comply with stricter nitrogen oxide emission standards. DWEE will reimburse 35% of the cost of a new CNG-fueled truck up to a maximum of $120,000, or 25% of the cost of a new diesel truck up to a maximum of $70,000. DWEE anticipates funding replacement of five trucks. Individual applicants may apply for a rebate for up to two trucks.

Agricultural Irrigation Pump Diesel Engine Replacement - Funding will assist farmers with the replacement of irrigation pump diesel engines with electric equipment. Diesel engines may be replaced with an electric motor to power a surface pump or by connecting an existing submersible pump directly to the electric grid. DWEE will reimburse 60% of the cost of the electrical equipment, installation, and required electric line extension up to a maximum rebate of $20,000. DWEE anticipates funding 20 irrigation engine rebates.

More information about the Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Program, including rebate applications, can be found at DWEE’s Clean Diesel Program webpage: https://dee.nebraska.gov/aid/air-loans-grants-rebates/nebraska-clean-diesel-rebate-program.

The Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Program is separate and distinct from the Nebraska Diesel Emission Mitigation Program funded by the Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Environmental Mitigation Trust for State Beneficiaries. DWEE has been designated to administer funds through this separate VW program, which is based on a federal court settlement. DWEE has developed a mitigation plan to guide the use of these funds. For more information about Nebraska’s program under the VW settlement, go to: https://dee.nebraska.gov/aid/air-loans-grants-rebates/volkswagen-environmental-mitigation-trust-fund.