The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is inviting applications to the Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Program, which provides assistance to trucking companies and independent diesel owner-operators to purchase equipment to reduce engine idling, which reduces air pollution and fuel costs. Over $189,000 in grant funds are available, and applications will be accepted if received at the NDEQ Lincoln office by December 19, 2011.

This funding is made possible by the Environmental Protection Agency’s State Clean Diesel Grant program. Rebates for new EPA Verified diesel or battery-powered Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are available to Nebraska owner-operators, contract and private motor carriers. Eligible recipients may receive $3,500 per vehicle as reimbursement for the purchase and installation of new diesel or battery powered APU(s) on their long haul class 8 sleeper berth trucks (maximum reimbursement of 10 new diesel or battery-powered APU(s), or $35,000 per recipient). Eligible applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis while rebate funds last.

The application form, which includes additional details on eligibility and related instructions, can be found at NDEQ’s web site, https://dee.nebraska.gov/home. Select Publications/Air Quality, and then select “2011 Clean Diesel Rebate Application and Instructions.” The direct URL is: http://deq.ne.gov/Publica.nsf/pages/11-029.

Only signed and dated original applications delivered to the address below will be accepted. (Do not submit by e-mail or fax.) Submit the application form and all supporting materials by December 19, 2011 to:
 

Tracy Thompson, Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Coordinator
Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Program
P.O. Box 98922
Lincoln NE 68509-8922
 

Applications may also be hand delivered to NDEQ, 1200 N Street, Suite 400, Lincoln, NE.