Wisconsin Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program

The program was created by the Governor's budget bill, 2005 Wisconsin Act 25. Under the program, Commerce provides grants to freight motor carriers (common, contract and private motor carriers) headquartered in Wisconsin to purchase and install idling reduction units for newer truck tractors. Idling reduction units provide an alternative source of power used to heat, cool, or provide electricity to the cab or other parts of a truck in lieu of operating the truck's main drive engine to power these services. The use of idling reduction units on heavy-duty diesel trucks saves fuel and lowers air pollution emissions. The program will award grants through June 2011.

• Factsheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

Application Information
** 2007 Grant Recipients - please note, all of the required reports (pre-installation, 6 and 12 months) are available electronically.

The Wisconsin Legislature and the Governor have approved the 2007-2009 biennial budget (2007 Wisconsin Act 20). The budget includes funding for the Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program.  The budget included changes to the  Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program  beginning with the 2007 awards.  

Awards are chosen randomly using a computer generated lottery system.  

Eligible applicants will receive a reimbursement of up to 50% for the costs of idling reduction equipment and installation.

Grant Recipients

• 2006 Grant Recipients

• 2007 Grant Recipients
  Governor's announcement of the 2007 Grant recipients
  

The Department of Commerce will begin accepting applications for the 2008 grant cycle on July 1, 2008.

Questions to consider before applying for grant coverage:

1. Do you own and operate your diesel truck tractor? The person applying for a grant must own and operate the truck.
2. Is your diesel truck(s) engine 1999 or newer? The engine model year must be 1999 or newer to be eligible for grant coverage.
3. Is your fleet headquartered in the state of Wisconsin? The fleet applying for grant coverage must be headquartered in the state of Wisconsin.
4. If you are an owner/operator is your residence in Wisconsin? The owner operator applying for grant coverage must reside in Wisconsin.
5. Have you reviewed the Statute and Rule to make sure you are eligible to apply for funding?

RULE

Please keep in mind, funding is not available for purchases made retroactively (e.g., idle reduction unit(s) purchased before July 1, 2008 would not be eligible for funding when applying for grant coverage July 1, 2008).

As stated in section 560.125 (4) (f) of the Wisconsin Statutes, if applying for grant coverage for more than one idling reduction unit, "The department shall require that applicants receiving grants under this section covering more than one idling reduction unit purchase idling reduction units of more than one type and from more than one manufacturer [emphasis added]. The department may impose other conditions on the receipt of grants.

Idling Reduction Technology Information
Interested in how much savings and what the potential payback is for purchasing idling reduction equipment? The Department of Energy's Argonne Laboratory has developed a worksheet that enables truck owners to estimate their savings and potential payback when using idling reduction equipment. If you have any comments on the worksheet please email Dr. Linda Gaines at the Argonne Laboratory.

Have experience with idling reduction technology and want to share your thoughts? Send your thoughts to the Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program staff.

Questions
For more information on the Diesel Truck Idling Reduction Grant Program, you can contact:

Jean Beckwith
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Entrepreneurship
Phone: (608) 261-2517
E-Mail: Jean.Beckwith@Wisconsin.gov

Tom Coogan
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Entrepreneurship
Phone: (608) 267-9214
E-Mail: Thomas.Coogan@Wisconsin.gov