The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is now accepting applications from consumers in the Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Trust program. The trust was set up after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alleged that Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act with the sale of vehicles from 2009 to 2016 that included “defeat devices” which were designed to perform differently during normal operation than during emissions tests. Volkswagen agreed to settle some of the allegations, providing Iowans with up to $21 million in funds for nitrogen oxide mitigation projects. The funds will be distributed over the next several years, with the first cycle of $4.9 million spread across three mitigation categories: class 4-8 school bus, shuttle bus or transit bus: freight trucks and port drayage trucks; and non-road transport and equipment. State agencies are not eligible, with the exception of those that may serve as public transit system operators. Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 18. More information can be found through the links included below.
Program website: https://www.iowadot.gov/vwsettlement
Questions—email to vwsettlement@iowadot.us
Responses will be posted to the website for all applicants to review
