The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation today released for public comment a proposed Beneficiary Mitigation Plan for implementing the State’s initial allocation of $45.7 million from the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust.
“The proposed plan would reduce harmful air pollutants that negatively impact our environment, health and quality of life,” said TDEC Commissioner Dr. Shari Meghreblian. “We look forward to receiving public feedback and ultimately supporting projects that protect clean air in our state.”
The purpose of the Trust is to execute environmental mitigation projects that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The State’s proposed plan targets the largest contributors of mobile NOx emissions in Tennessee, including the on-road, diesel heavy duty sector and the on-road, non-diesel light duty sector.
As NOx emissions contribute to the formation of ozone and particulate matter, reductions in emissions will assist in the State’s efforts to maintain compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for Ozone and Particulate Matter.
The proposed BMP and a recorded presentation may be accessed here. The public is encouraged to review the proposed BMP and submit comments at http://www.tn.gov/environment/vw_bmp or via email to TDEC.OEP@tn.gov. The public comment period will remain open for 30 days following the date of the release of the proposed BMP. TDEC will accept comments through 5 p.m. CST on Aug. 17. All comments and input received will be reviewed and considered by TDEC personnel. The BMP will then be finalized, submitted to the Trustee and released to the public.
Following the finalization of the BMP, TDEC will release funding opportunity announcements and/or project solicitations for corresponding programs. TDEC will also host workshops throughout the state and/or via webinar in order to provide the public with information regarding the proposal process, program and project eligibility, timelines for implementation and reporting requirements.
Interested persons and entities are advised to sign up for the VW email list at https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1843437/1737620/ in order to receive related email updates on topics including, but not limited to, BMP finalization, funding cycles and project solicitation.
For additional information on the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement in Tennessee, visit the TDEC Office of Energy Programs website here.