Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Announces Two New Clean Transportation Initiatives

On October 17, 2024, Montana DEQ announced two new clean transportation initiatives including the Clean Truck, Bus, and Airport Equipment Program and the release of the Montana Electric School Bus Technical Assistance Report. The Clean Truck, Bus, and Airport Equipment program matches funds to replace older diesel trucks, buses, or airport ground support vehicles with battery electric, alternate fuel, or diesel vehicles. The program aims to curb nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions with low or zero emission transportation options. Public and private entities are eligible to apply. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

Montana DEQ also released the Montana Electric School Bus Technical Assistance Report to inform and support the adoption of electric school buses among school districts across the state. The report examines the benefits and challenges associated with electric school bus deployment in six Montana communities - Bigfork, Billings, Clinton, East Helena, Fairfield, and Havre for the 2023-2024 school year. The report provides operational insights and best practices around training and support for drivers; navigating change management among drivers resistant to electric school buses; optimizing regenerative braking to conserve energy and improve vehicle efficiency; and identifying charging strategies to minimize costs.

To learn more about Montana DEQ's Alternative Fuels and Transportation programs please visit: https://deq.mt.gov/energy/Programs/fuels.