A driver charges up his electric vehicle at Whole Foods in Fresno. File photo

Millions in Federal funding has been granted to the Valley Air District for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.

Last week, the Valley Air District accepted over $8.9 million in additional U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to deploy 26 zero-emission, battery-electric Class 6 and Class 7 trucks and associated charging infrastructure.

The air district’s proposal to the EPA’s competitive Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles grant program was selected and awarded the $8.9 million.

The project was developed with the collaboration the City of Modesto, Mission Linen, Fresno Unified School District, and the City of Ceres.

The project aims to reduce 577 tons of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the project, support zero-emission Class 6 and Class 7 manufacturers in achieving economies of scale, and provide workforce development and fleet operation training for zero-emission vehicles.

The Valley Air District has developed and implemented a robust, effective, voluntary incentive program that identifies the Valley’s needs and provides funds to make significant emission reductions that would not occur otherwise.

“Grant funds such as these highlight the District’s commitment to supporting Valley businesses and agencies in the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality,” said Samir Sheikh, executive Director and air pollution control officer of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “By supporting the replacement of older, higher-polluting vehicles and investing in clean infrastructure, the Valley Air District is taking significant steps to protect public health, particularly for communities living near freight corridors, while also advancing economic opportunities.”