This agreement will provide assistance to the north dakota department of environmental quality in its efforts to reduce diesel emissions and exposure throughout the state of north dakota

This project to replace highway vehicles, including school buses with newer, cleaner vehicles will reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons.activities:the north dakota department of environmental quality, division of air quality (nddeq or department) plans to issue rebate awards to eligible entities such as cities, counties, schools, or other government agencies that conduct work for the benefit of the public. The rebate awards will target the replacement of older, less-efficient, medium-duty and heavy-duty diesel-powered, on-road vehicles that are used in various operations including school buses.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:reducing emissions from diesel engines is an air quality challenge facing the country and north dakota. This project will provide for the replacement diesel-powered school buses and vehicles, thereby resulting in a reduction of diesel engine emissions. Expected outputs, or environmental activities, efforts, and/or associated work products related to the projects to be funded under this program may include but are not limited to the following: number of replaced engines/vehicles; and/or hours of idling reduced. Other outputs may include, but are not limited to: engaging with local residents to ensure their meaningful participation with respect to the design, planning, and performance of the project; the project's inclusion in a broader-based environmental or air quality plan; the implementation of contract specifications requiring the use of cleaner vehicles and equipment; a documented commitment to continue to identify and address air quality issues in the affected community; establishing a clear point of contact in a public platform for community issues and complaints; a publicly documented policy or process for getting community input on operations and projects that impact air quality; adoption of an idle reduction policy; the completion of a baseline mobile source emission inventory for PM2.5 and or NOX; providing support to clean diesel coalitions by sharing information, working with interested fleets, and addressing specific geographic needs; number of rebate awards; dissemination of project/technology information via listservs, websites, journals, and outreach events. Expected outputs, or results, effects, or consequences that may occur from the projects to be funded under this program may include but are not limited to the following: tons of pollution reduced over the lifetime of the vehicles/engines/equipment, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOX), carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide (CO and CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCS), and tons of pollution reduced annually; lifetime total project cost effectiveness for NOX and PM2.5; lifetime capital cost effectiveness for NOX and PM2.5; net reduction in gallons of diesel fuel used; benefits to disadvantaged communities, including improvements to human health and the environment, the local economy, social conditions, and the welfare of residents in such communities.