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Governor Doyle Announces $2 Million to Reduce Fuel Costs and Pollution
For Immediate Release: April 25, 2008 Awards 139 Diesel Truck Idling Grants MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the Department of Commerce (Commerce) has awarded 139 Diesel Truck Idling Grants totaling $2 million. The recipients of these grants will use the funding to purchase diesel truck idling devices, which will help to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution emissions from heavy-duty diesel truck-tractor engines. "Our country is spending over $1 billion a week in oil payments to the Middle East. In Wisconsin, we are taking the lead to not only address these challenges - but to find opportunities for innovation and growth in them as well," Governor Doyle said. "I'm pleased to provide these grants which not only help improve our air, but save us money that can be invested back in Wisconsin." The grants provide trucking companies a reimbursement of up to 50 percent for the costs of idling reduction equipment and installation. Idling reduction units provide an alternative source of power to heat, cool, or provide electricity to the cab and parts of the truck in lieu of operating the truck's main drive engine. Commerce will be working with the awarded fleets to record and collect data on actual emissions and fuel-saving costs. Governor Doyle noted that the trucking industry plays a vital role in transporting raw materials and finished products in Wisconsin. It is estimated that more than 650 million tons of products were carried by truck in Wisconsin in 2005. Commerce granted 26 awards to large fleets (those with 51 or more trucks) comprising 454 idle reduction units and 113 awards to small fleets (those with 50 or fewer trucks) comprising 129 idle reduction units. For a full list of awards and for more information on Commerce's diesel grant program, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/dieselgrantprogram. -30- |
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