State officials have finalized a plan to use money from a settlement with Volkswagen to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) in Tennessee.
The poisonous gas was at the center of the 2015 emissions scandal that rocked the automaker and led to billions of dollars in fines. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation released its final plan for implementing the state's allocation of $45.7 million this morning.
"The goal of this plan is to reduce air pollutants that negatively impact our environment and public health," according to a statement from TDEC Commissioner Shari Meghreblian. "We look forward to supporting projects in our state that will ultimately lead to an enhanced quality of life for Tennesseans."
The plan targets the largest contributors to mobile emissions in the state. It will attempt to reduce emissions from Class 4-8 School Buses, Class 4-8 Shuttle and Transit Buses, Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks, Class 8 Local Freight Trucks and Port Drayage Trucks, and Light Duty ZEV Supply Equipment.
TDEC released a draft of the plan in July for public comment. Input was reviewed and considered prior to the finalization of the BMP, according to a release from an agency spokeswoman.
The agency will host public workshops throughout the state to provide information regarding the proposal process, program and project eligibility, timelines for implementation, and reporting requirements.
Future allocations could occur if Volkswagen fails to meet its recall target rate or if a beneficiary requests a supplemental allocation on the 10-year anniversary of the Oct. 2, 2017, trust date.
View the full plan here.
Contact staff writer Mark Pace at mpace@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659. Follow him on Twitter @themarkpace and on Facebook at ChattanoogaOutdoorsTFP.