Ohio EPA offers grant for vehicle conversions

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) now offers a grant that will assist in covering the cost of converting vehicles to those that run on alternative fuels, such as propane.

According to the agency, the grant will aid users who convert diesel- or gasoline-powered class 7 and 8 vehicles (weighing at least 26,000 pounds) to those that use compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

The program is supported with $5 million allocated by the Ohio General Assembly from the Alternative Fuel Transportation Fund of the Ohio Developmental Services Agency.

According to the agency, eligible alternative fuel vehicles must be registered in Ohio for operation on public highways and be used in business. In addition, over half of the miles driven must be within Ohio. The limit on the total grant award to applicants seeking to replace or convert multiple vehicles is $400,000.

Ohio EPA has posted the grant application for alternative fuel vehicle conversion grants and guidelines on the Ohio EPA Office of Environmental Education webpage.