Mobile sources are any type of vehicle that can pollute the air, including automobiles, trucks, buses, locomotives, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, construction equipment and lawnmowers. DAQ awards Mobile Sources Emissions Reductions Grants every year to projects that will replace, retrofit or repair diesel-powered mobile sources to reduce emissions.

This year’s awarded projects will replace or retrofit older diesel vehicles and equipment with cleaner alternatives. More than $270,000 in funding will go toward new electric vehicles.

Applications for the 2024 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction grants opened last November and closed in February. After reviewing the proposals, DAQ awarded grants to three Swain County projects.

Espinoza Hauling and Trucking Co Inc. received a grant for $185,991 to replace one 1999 Tier 1 Cold Milling Machine with a 2025 CARB-certified Tier 4 Cold Milling Machine. This project eliminates 216 tons of lifetime CO2₂ emissions and reduces 7.33 tons of lifetime NOx emissions and 480 pounds of lifetime PM2.5 emissions.

Fortner Contracting Inc. was awarded $62,039 to replace a 1992 Tier 0 off-road wheel loader with a 2025 Tier 4 Rubber Tire Loader. This project eliminates 94.5 tons of lifetime CO2₂ emissions and reduces 20.04 tons of lifetime NOx emissions and 3,060 pounds of lifetime PM2.5 emissions.

HMC Paving and Construction Co Inc. got $19,913 to replace one 2008 Tier 0 diesel truck with a new CARB-certified, EPA Tier 4 2024 ULSD truck. This project eliminates 377.98 tons of lifetime CO₂ emissions and reduces 1.06 tons of lifetime NOx emissions and 10 pounds of lifetime PM2.5 emissions.