Expand AllClick here for a more accessible versionThe Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management grant funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and authorized through Section 319(h) of the federal Water Pollution Control Act. The program’s primary purpose is to implement Section 319 Program Watershed Implementation Plans. Ninety-six percent of water-quality-impaired watersheds in Pennsylvania are polluted because of nonpoint source pollution, such as abandoned mine drainage (AMD), urban and agricultural runoff, atmospheric deposition, on-lot sewage systems, earthmoving, stream hydromodification and timber harvesting. Pennsylvania’s Nonpoint Source Management Program established an overall strategy to implement watershed restoration and protection activities.
Eligible Applicants:
- Incorporated watershed association
- County or municipality
- County conservation district
- Council of government
- Non-profit organization
- Educational institution
- Municipal authority
The Act 101, Section 901 HHW Education Grant is available to all Pennsylvania Counties for the cost of educational programs or pollution prevention, other technical assistance to small business for pollution prevention, and educational programs on household hazardous waste.
The grant to a County cannot exceed 80% of the approved project costs. A County may request up to $75,000 every two years for costs associated with HHW educational programs. HHW educational costs incurred on January 1, 2016 or beyond will be eligible for grant funding.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. Pre-application conferences with Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinators are required prior to applying for this grant.
Eligible Applicants: Pennsylvania Counties - the Applicant must be the governing body of the county. Authorities and other associated bodies are not eligible to apply.
The Act 101, Section 901 Municipal Waste Planning Grant is available to all Pennsylvania Counties for the cost of preparing municipal waste management plans; the cost of carrying out related studies, surveys, investigations, inquiries, research and analyses; environmental mediation; feasibility studies and project development for municipal waste processing, disposal or composting facilities, except for facilities for the combustion of municipal waste that are not proposed to be operated for the recovery of energy.
A County may not request nor receive more than $75,000 per calendar year for planning nor exceed more than 80% of approved project costs.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. Pre-application conferences with Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinators are required prior to applying for this grant.
Eligible Applicants: Pennsylvania Counties - the Applicant must be the governing body of the County. Authorities and other associated bodies are not eligible to apply.
The Act 101, Section 902, Municipal Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant reimburses Counties and Municipalities 90% of eligible recycling program development and implementation expenses. Pre-application conferences with Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinators are required prior to applying for this grant.
Fundable costs for the 902 Municipal Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant include eligible costs associated with the development, public education, collection equipment, processing equipment, building costs, and land associated costs of Municipal or County recycling programs.
Eligible Applicants: Municipalities (as defined in Act 101) in Pennsylvania
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awards Section 903 grant funds to eligible counties of Pennsylvania for 50 percent reimbursement of the approved cost of their county recycling coordinator’s salary and expenses. The grants are authorized under Section 903 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (Act 101 of 1988, P.L. 556).
Eligible Applicants: Pennsylvania Counties
The Act 101, Section 904, Municipal Recycling Program Performance Grant is a grant that provides an award to Municipalities in Pennsylvania with recycling programs for their recycling efforts. The grant award is based on the total tons recycled and the applicant’s recycling rate.
Eligible Applicants: All Municipalities (as defined in Act 101) in Pennsylvania with recycling programs in the previous calendar year
As part of the FY2022-23 budget, Act 54 of 2022 allocated funds to DEP for grants and reimbursements (up to 75% of allowable costs) to municipalities and counties for eligible activities. Counties interested in applying for funding for Act 167 Plan development or revision should reference the 2023 Growing Greener Plus grant guidance. Act 167 funds are not subject to the requirements of the Growing Greener Plus program, but the program is being used to solicit applications for Act 167 funding.
DEP is offering grant funding for clean, alternative fuel projects in Pennsylvania and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy sector. DEP receives approximately $5 million in funding each year through the utilities gross receipts tax collected during each fiscal year to carry out the provisions of the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act. The primary goals of the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG) are to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality and reduce consumption of imported oil through the use of homegrown alternative fuels that will help the Commonwealth’s economy and environment.
Eligible Applicants: School Districts, Municipal Authorities, Political subdivisions, Incorporated nonprofit entities, Corporations, Limited liability companies or partnerships registered to do business in the Commonwealth.
The Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) is authorized through the United States Department of Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to issue grants to eligible applicants for the purpose of abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation and acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment or abatement. The Bureau will be accepting applications for projects that reclaim abandoned coal mines or address mine drainage from abandoned coal mines. For further information, please visit the AML/AMD Grant Program page.
This program provides funding for coordination and implementation of Countywide Action Plans developed at the county level to achieve specified nutrient and sediment reduction goals established as part of Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan.
DEP is offering funding for coordination and implementation of Countywide Action Plans developed at the county level to achieve specified nutrient and sediment reduction goals established as part of Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan.
Eligible Applicants: Counties who are or have developed CAPs as part of PA’s Phase 3 WIP.
This program provides funding for Chesapeake Bay Program Engineer Specialist and Engineer Assistant positions and is available to county conservation districts within the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Funding can be used to employ Engineer personnel, to acquire technical equipment and supplies, or for travel for the purpose of implementing the program.
This program provides funding for Chesapeake Bay Program Technicians and is available to county conservation districts within the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Funding for the Technician position can be used to employ technical personnel, obtain technical services, or to acquire technical equipment and supplies for the purpose of implementing the program.
The Coastal Zone Management Grant Program provides funding to implement its policies and focus areas in the Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie Coastal Zone, including hazards, wetlands, public access, intergovernmental coordination, ocean resources, and nonpoint pollution. Typical projects funded through grant awards range from studies, planning, design, and research to land acquisition and minor construction projects. Activities must take place within the Coastal Zone boundaries of Pennsylvania.
Eligible Applicants:
- Local Governments, Counties and Municipalities
- Area-wide agencies – county and regional planning agencies
- Incorporated non-profits
- Educational Institutions – School Districts, Intermediate Units, Universities and Colleges
- Incorporated Conservation and Educational Organizations
- State Agencies
- Conservation Districts, Port Authorities and Public Authorities
Program funding is available to Pennsylvania’s 66 County Conservation Districts. Funding is provided for Manager, Erosion and Sediment Control Technicians, other technical positions and Administrative Assistance. Funding is allocated by the State Conservation Commission to County Conservation Districts in accordance with the CDFAP Statement of Policy to assist districts with carrying out the mission of Conservation Districts.
This grant is to assist in funding County Conservation District Watershed Specialist positions. These positions will be employees of the County Conservation Districts. The purpose of the Watershed Specialist position is to restore and protect watersheds and foster environmental stewardship. Funds will provide a maximum of 80% for the cost associated with this position based on availability of funds.
Eligible Applicants: County Conservation Districts
Driving PA Forward – DC Fast Charging & Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program
This is a competitive grant program that provides funding for new, publicly accessible DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling projects built in strategic locations in PA and designed to supply light duty vehicles. Grant funding is available for up to 70% of project costs, capped at $500,000 per award for hydrogen fueling projects and $250,000 for DC fast charging projects. This program is part of the
Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants: See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward – Electric Cargo Handling Grant Program
The Electric Cargo Handling Grant Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding for the repower or replacement of diesel-powered: forklifts (with a lift capacity of greater than 8,000 pounds), Tier 0-2 airport ground support equipment, and port cargo handling equipment. Eligible vehicles must be scrapped and replaced with the same equipment in an all-electric form. Grant funding is available for up to 60% of project costs for government applicants and up to 40% for non-government applicants. This program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants: See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward – Level 2 EV Charging Rebate
This program provides rebates for new Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging projects to be installed in public spaces, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings. Rebates up to $4,500 per plug are available, though final rebate amount is based upon the project characteristics, cost, and location. The application period is rolling and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants are issued a 180-day voucher, which can be redeemed for the approved rebate amount upon successful completion of the project and submittal of required documentation. This program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants: See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward – Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program
This is a competitive grant program that provides funding to (1) repower or replace diesel-powered, pre-Tier 4 freight switcher locomotives, that operate 1,000 hours or more per year, with any new EPA or CARB-certified diesel, alternative fuel, or all-electric engine, or (2) repower or upgrade unregulated, Tier 1 or Tier 2, diesel-powered marine engines in ferries or tugboats with an EPA Certified Remanufactured system or an EPA Verified Engine Upgrade. Grant funding is available for up to 60% of eligible project costs (up to 80% for electric projects), with no maximum dollar amount per award. The program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants:
See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward - Medium- & and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emissions (MHD-ZEV) Fleet Pilot Grant Program Initiative
The primary goal of the Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Pilot (“MHD-ZEV”) is to improve the Commonwealth’s air quality by reducing NOX emissions from Class 4-8 trucks while driving the transformation from older, polluting diesel engines to cleaner transportation technologies. See full eligibility information for applicants and projects in the Program Guidelines.
Eligible Applicants: – See program requirements
Driving PA Forward – Ocean Going Vessel Shorepower Grant Program
The Ocean-Going Vessel Shorepower Grant Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding for the purchase and installation of eligible dock-mounted, containerized, or barge-mounted marine shore power systems at eligible ports in Pennsylvania. Grant funding is available for up to 75% of project costs for government applicants and up to 25% of project costs for non-government applicants. This program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants:
See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward – Onroad Rebate Program
This program provides rebates for Class 4-8 local freight trucks, drayage trucks, school buses, transit buses and shuttle buses. Rebates vary based on vehicle type, fuel, type, and vehicle owner, though the final rebate amount is based upon actual project costs. Maximum rebates are determined by maximum dollar rebate per vehicle or engine, or percentage of total project costs, whichever is less, combined for all vehicles in the application. Between 1 and 5 vehicles may be submitted per application. Applicants proposing more than 5 vehicles should apply to the Truck and Bus Fleet Grant Program. The application period is rolling and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants are issued a 365-day voucher, which can be redeemed for the approved rebate amount upon successful completion of the project and submittal of required documentation. This program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants:
See program requirements.
Driving PA Forward – Truck and Bus Fleet Grant Program
This program provides grants for Class 4-8 local freight trucks, drayage trucks, school buses, transit buses, and shuttle buses. Grant awards vary based on vehicle type, fuel, type, and vehicle owner, though the final reimbursement amount is based upon actual project costs. Maximum reimbursements are determined by maximum dollar amount per vehicle or engine, or percentage of total project costs, whichever is less, combined for all vehicles in the project. A minimum of 6 vehicles must be submitted per application. Applicants proposing fewer than 6 vehicles should apply to the Onroad Rebate Program. This program is part of the Driving PA Forward suite of financial incentive programs utilizing funds from the VW settlement to improve Pennsylvania’s air quality.
Eligible Applicants:
See program requirements.
Ninety-six percent of water-quality-impaired watersheds in Pennsylvania are polluted because of nonpoint source pollution, such as abandoned mine drainage, urban and agricultural runoff, atmospheric deposition, on-lot sewage systems, earthmoving, stream hydromodification and timber harvesting. The purpose of the Growing Greener program is to address nonpoint source pollution through local, watershed-based planning, restoration and protection efforts for projects funded by Watershed Planning, Restoration and Protection grants.
Eligible Applicants: Incorporated watershed association; county or municipality; county conservation district; council of governments; educational institution; municipal authority; or other authorized organizations (see guidance document).
Grants are available to host municipality and host county inspectors for the independent review of permit applications for commercial hazardous waste disposal facilities. The grants come as reimbursements of up to $50,000 for qualifying reviews.
Eligible Applicants: Host municipalities/counties within Pennsylvania.
Grants are available to municipalities for assistance with independent review of permit applications for new municipal waste landfills or resource recovery facilities, or expansion of an existing facility. The grants come as reimbursements of up to $10,000 for qualifying reviews.
Eligible Applicants: Municipalities.
Grants are available to municipalities that have a municipal waste landfill, resource recovery facility, or commercial hazardous waste storage, treatment, or disposal facility located within its geographic borders. Municipalities are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of the authorized employment costs and expenses incurred in a calendar year from employing up to two Certified Host Municipality Inspectors.
Eligible Applicants: Host municipalities/counties within Pennsylvania.
Under the PA Household and Small Business Pollution Prevention Act, the Department of Environmental Protection offers 50 percent reimbursement collection program grants to municipalities and non-profits.
Eligible Applicants: Municipalities and non-profit organizations
This program exclusively funds Pennsylvania counties for mosquito control activities to reduce the risk of transmission from mosquito-borne disease (West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, etc.). Applicants are required to execute a contract with DEP and comply with appropriate commonwealth requirements for the reimbursement funding. This includes appropriate surveillance and control activities as recommended by DEP, data reporting, submission of quarterly invoices and additional information as requested.
Eligible Applicants: Approved Counties
Grant name: Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency Program
URL: Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency
Description: The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) Program is a financing program that will support local governments who did not receive an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Department of Energy to cost effectively deploy energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The program consists of two financial incentive instruments working together, a MORE Grant and a MORE Loan. The MORE Program’s primary goal is to improve energy efficiency for local government buildings and facilities by reducing the barriers to obtaining a low or even zero interest loan to accomplish larger, more effective energy efficiency projects.
Eligible Applicants: All units of local government in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for up to $50,000 under the MORE Grant Program, except those that were eligible for an EECBG award directly from DOE[2]. Eligible units of local government include:
- Counties
- Cities
- Boroughs
- Towns
- Townships
- Municipal Authority
Eligible Entities: Approved Conservation Districts.
Delegation Agreement for nutrient and manure management programs between County Conservation Districts, State Conservation Commission, and the Department of Environmental Protection. Only County Conservation Districts that have received authorizations may apply.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering competitive grant funding to provide financial assistance to improve the all-hazards resilience of the electric grid and prevent disruptive events. The Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grants (PA GRG) Program is funded under Section 40101(d) Formula Grant Program of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). DEP has been allocated approximately $40.5 million over a five-year period to improve the resilience of our electric grid. Click here for further information.
The Pennsylvania State Clean Diesel Grant Program funds projects that improve Pennsylvania’s air quality by decreasing emissions from diesel-powered highway and non-road vehicles and equipment. The program will support projects reduce diesel related emissions by replacing, re-powering, or retrofitting diesel powered vehicles and equipment.
Eligible Applicants: organizations that operate diesel-powered fleets throughout Pennsylvania.
Grants are issued to eligible tank owners who own six or fewer regulated underground tanks in Pennsylvania. Tanks must be underground tanks which have not been upgraded to comply with technical requirements of federal and state regulations, regulated, and which are registered with DEP prior to tank closure. The grant shall not exceed $2,500 per tank and the grant application must be submitted after all work is finished. Eligible costs may include: pumping regulated product out of the tank; disposal of product; tank cleaning and grouting the fill pipe.
The primary focus of these grant categories is the design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Projects most likely to significantly address the impacts of AMD discharges in a cost-effective way will receive preference for funding.
Eligible applicants:
- County or municipality
- County conservation district
- Council of governments
- Municipal authority
- School district
- Other appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations
This program provides reimbursement of environmental cleanup costs resulting from a release of heating oil from an underground tank system. Reimbursements are subject to a $1,000 deductible, which is satisfied by the first $1,000 of eligible costs paid by the applicant. Remaining eligible costs paid by the applicant may be reimbursed up to a maximum of $4,000. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you are/were the tank owner; the heating oil tank is an underground (buried) tank; the tank capacity is 3,000 gallons or less; the tank stored fuel that was used for heating on the premises; there was a release of heating oil to the environment from the tank, the associated lines/pipes, or resulting from a spill or overfill due to a failure of the tank system that occurred or was discovered on or after January 30, 1998; and an environmental cleanup has been completed or is in progress.