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Driving a Cleaner Illinois
Driving a Cleaner Illinois is the Illinois EPA’s grant program developed to distribute funding for various types of mobile source electrification projects. The Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program implements funding from a variety of sources, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Program.
When a Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is available for applicants, it is posted to this page in addition to Illinois' Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) website. Each NOFO will include the funding source and amounts, applicant and vehicle/equipment eligibility, and specific information on how and when to apply. More information about each funding source may be found below and on the respective webpages listed in the Links section below. Sign up for the Driving a Cleaner Illinois listserv to receive updates and notifications when a NOFO is available. Be advised that the Agency does not provide advance notice of the timing or types of projects of future grant announcements. If you wish to be notified of grant announcements, please sign up for the listserv below.
Current Notice of Funding Opportunities
| Program | Documents | Application Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program Funding Sources
Illinois EPA has a variety of funding sources for its Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program. These funding sources are summarized below. Please periodically check this site or sign up for the listserv for “Current Notice of Funding Opportunities” regarding open application periods for these funds and select project types.
Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act includes provisions to phase out carbon emissions from the energy and transportation sectors. The Illinois EPA is directed to provide funding, consistent with Illinois Commerce Commission-approved Beneficial Electrification Plans, to public and private organizations and companies to install and maintain publicly-available Level 2 or Level 3 charging stations. Up to 80% of the cost of the installation of charging stations may be funded. Additional awards may incentivize charging infrastructure in eligible communities.
More information may be found on our Climate and Equitable Jobs Act webpage.
Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund
The VW Environmental Mitigation Trust was established by Appendix D of the VW Settlement because of Clean Air Act violations relating to installation of “defeat devices” in certain Volkswagen diesel vehicles. Illinois’ initial allocation of funds was approximately $108 million. The funds are to be used for projects that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in Illinois.
More information may be found on our VW Settlement webpage
Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Funds
The purpose of the DERA State Clean Diesel Grant Program is to enable participating states to support grant, rebate, and loan programs to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. Through this program, states enter into Cooperative Agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for administering their allocation of DERA funds for eligible project types. This funding is provided on a federal fiscal year basis.
Current Funding Availability for Driving a Cleaner Illinois
In accordance with GATA, Illinois EPA will provide a NOFO for open application periods for its Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program. Below are summaries of currently available funding along with links to the application materials.
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
Illinois EPA does not have a current Notice of Funding Opportunity open for Driving a Cleaner Illinois - CEJA
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - Volkswagen
Illinois EPA does not have a current Notice of Funding Opportunity open for Driving a Cleaner Illinois - VW
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)
Illinois EPA does not have a current Notice of Funding Opportunity open for Driving a Cleaner Illinois - DERA.
Webinars & Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - DACI - EV Charging Round 1
Frequently Asked Questions - DACI - VW Round 5
Frequently Asked Questions - DACI - VW Round 4
VW Round 3 - Funding Summary Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions - DACI - VW Round 3 - updated August 4, 2021
Round 3 GATA Budget Template with highlights.pdf
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - Round 2 Webinar - May 16, 2019
Contacts
For Questions Regarding:
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - CEJA, please use this e-mail address: EPA.EVCharging@Illinois.gov
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - VW grants, please use this email address: epa.vwgrants@illinois.gov
Driving a Cleaner Illinois - DERA grants, please use this email address: epa.deragrants@illinois.gov.
Listserv
Please enter your email into the following listserv form if you would like to receive future updates about the Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link that you will need to click to confirm addition of your name to the list.
Documents and Links
Illinois EPA's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act page
Illinois EPA's VW Settlement page
U.S. EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) page
U.S. EPA's DERA State Program Information Guide
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Grant Awards News Release
Recent Awards
| Applicant | Project | Amount | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Barrington Transportation Co., Inc. |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$230,625 |
VW Round 3 |
|
Huntley Consolidated School District 158 |
4 electric school bus and charging station |
$1,042,611 |
VW Round 3 |
|
River Trails School District #26 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$288,215.25 |
VW Round 3 |
|
Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 |
2 electric school bus and charging station |
$570,348 |
VW Round 3 |
|
First Student – Lake Park High School District 108 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$213,150.75 |
VW Round 3 |
|
First Student- Schaumburg School District 54 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$213,150.75 |
VW Round 3 |
|
First Student – Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$213,150.75 |
VW Round 3 |
|
First Student - Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$213,150.75 |
VW Round 3 |
|
Triad Community Unit School District 2 |
3 electric school bus and charging station |
$791,145.75 |
VW Round 3 |
|
Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 |
Sixty new direct-fired heaters for school buses. |
$299,392.74 |
CMAQ |
|
Triad Community Unit School District #2 |
Three all-electric school buses and the necessary charging infrastructure |
$650,000 |
VW Round 2 |
|
Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. |
Ten new compressed natural gas concrete mixer trucks |
$607,838.65 |
DERA |
|
Pace Suburban Bus |
Six new compressed natural gas public transit buses |
$2,353,843.80 |
VW Round 1 |
|
Chicago Transit Authority |
Three new all-electric public transit buses |
$1,895,476.50 |
VW Round 1 |
|
Cook-Illinois Corp. |
Two new all-electric school buses and charging unit |
$474,146.25 |
VW Round 1 |
|
First Student, Inc. |
One new all-electric school bus and charging unit |
$241,108.50 |
VW Round 1 |
|
Metra |
Three passenger/commuter locomotives repowered with electric motors |
$14,000,000 |
VW Round 1 |
|
BP Pulse |
Gas Stations - Champaign, Forest View, Cicero, Carpentersville, West Chicago, Rosco |
$960,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Francis Energy |
Gas Stations/Restaurants - Beach Park, Troy, LeRoy |
$480,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
GPM Midwest |
Gas Stations - Hartford, South Beloit, Springfield |
$480,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Kerry Farms |
Retail/Event Center - East Peoria, Winfield, Sauget |
$480,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Loves Travel Stops |
Truck Stops - Utica, Hamel, Hampshire, Williamsville, Channahon, Normal |
$960,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Pilot Travel Centers |
Truck Stops - Morris, Mascoutah, LaSalle, Monee, Troy, South Beloit |
$960,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Road Ranger |
Gas Stations - South Beloit, Hampshire, Ottawa |
$480,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
Universal EV |
Hotels - North Aurora (2), Columbia, Champaign (5), Palatine, Waterloo, Hoffman Estates (2), Granite City (2), Rockford (3), Bensenville (2), Pontoon Beach (2), Lombard, Collinsville (2), DeKalb (2), Alton, Bolingbrook, Fairview Heights (2), Naperville (2), Caseyville (2), Ottawa, Peoria, Libertyville (2), O'Fallon, Oakbrook Terrace, Springfield, Normal, McHenry, Bloomington |
$5,880,000 |
VW Round 4 |
|
3216N Inc |
Gas Stations in Elk Grove Village Stone Park |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Adams Electric Cooperative |
Community College Hotel in Quincy (2) |
$277,814 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Amoco Food Shop Number 1 Inc |
Gas Stations in Chicago (2) |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
BP Products North America Inc |
Gas Stations - Addison, Aurora (2), Bellwood, Bloomington, Bolingbrook, Chicago (2), Crystal Lake, Des Plaines (2), Effingham (2), Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, Hampshire, Huntley, Joliet (2,) Kankakee, Lake in the Hills, Lombard, McHenry, Morris, Mt. Vernon, Naperville (2), Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park, Summit, Third Lake, Troy, Volo, West Chicago. Woodridge. Zion |
$8,320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association |
University Hotel - Carbondale, Caterville |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Gjovik Ford |
Car Dealerships - Plano, Sandwich |
$400,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
GPM Investments LLC |
Gas Stations- Edgewood, St. Elmo |
$319,751.44 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
ITSM Software Consultants Inc |
Shopping/Retail - Algonquin (2), Arlington Heights (2), Bridgeview, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Matteson, North Chicago, Roselle, West Chicago (2) |
$1,810,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Lanman Oil Company |
Gas Stations- Charleston, Mattoon, Tuscola |
$480,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
OBE Power Networks 1 LLC |
Parks/Recreation - Ottawa (2) |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
OSF Healthcare System |
Healthcare- Peoria (2) |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Pilot Travel Centers LLC |
Gas Stations - Decatur, Effingham, Gilman, Marion, Marshall, Oakwood, Rochelle, Vandalia, Woodhul |
$1,440,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
PowerPort EVC LLC |
Shopping/Recreation - Ashkum, Bourbonnais |
$ 320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Red E Charging LLC |
Gas Stations - Arcola, Atlanta, Bolingbrook, Brimfield, Chicago, Fulton, Loves Park, Marion, Peotone, Richton Park, Shorewood, Villa Park, Wilmette |
$2,079,402 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Rivian Automotive LLC |
Shopping/Retail - Normal, Oak Brook, Springfield |
$920,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Road Ranger LLC |
Gas Stations - Bourbonnais, Dixon, Grayville, Marion, Marshall, McLean, Minonk, Princeton, Rochelle, Springfield |
$1,600,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Shiner Management Group Inc |
Shopping/Retail- Guernee. Mundelein |
$320,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Sustainable Energies Corporation |
Restaurants - Country Club Hills, East Peoria, Glendale, Grayslake, Gurnee, McHenry, Melrose Park, Moline, Round Lake, Beach, Waukegan (2) |
$1,760,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Universal EV LLC |
Hotels Shopping/Retail - East Peoria (2), Princeton (2), Casey, Sandoval, Salem, Granite City, Peoria, Decatur, Ottawa (5), Gilman, Marion, Lincoln, Hoffman Estates, Chillicothe, Elk Grove Village |
$2,945,292 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Victory Lane Ford Inc |
Car Dealership- Carlinville, Litchfield |
$560,000 |
EV Charging Round 1 |
|
Illini Bluff Community Unit School District 327 |
3 electric school buses and charging station |
$787,500 |
VW Round 5 |
|
First Student - Chicago Public School District 299 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$263,990 |
VW Round 5 |
|
First Student - Indian Prairie School District 204 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$263,990 |
VW Round 5 |
|
First Student - Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$263,990 |
VW Round 5 |
|
First Student - Collinsville Community School District Unit 10 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$263,990 |
VW Round 5 |
|
First Student - Burbank School District 111 |
1 electric school bus and charging station |
$263,990 |
VW Round 5 |
|
McLean County Community Unit School District 5 |
5 electric school buses and charging station |
$1,437,500 |
VW Round 5 |
|
Student Transportation of America - Evanston CCSD 65 |
5 electric school buses and charging station |
$1,339,067.75 |
VW Round 5 |
|
Crystal Lake District 47 |
4 electric school buses and charging station |
$1,139,650 |
VW Round 5 |
|
Woodstock Community Unit School District 200 |
3 electric school buses and charging station |
$772,500 |
VW Round 5 |
|
Triad Community Unit School District 2 |
2 electric buses and chargin station |
$767,325 |
VW Round 6 |
|
Huntley Community School District 158 |
4 electric buses and charging station |
$1,192,044 |
VW Round 6 |
|
A.M. Bus Co. (Chicago Public School District 229) |
13 electric buses and charging station |
$3,548,746.50 |
VW Round 6 |
|
Latino Express (Chicago Public School District 299) |
10 electric buses and charging station |
$2,729,805 |
VW Round 6 |