Locomotive Idle Reduction Program

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering a grant opportunity to locomotive owners in Minnesota for idle-reduction projects. This program, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) state program, aims to reduce diesel emissions from diesel engines, thereby improving air quality and public health. The MPCA anticipates awarding approximately $200,000, with a maximum of $20,000 per project (locomotive), and no limit on the number of projects an applicant can undertake. The target beneficiaries for this grant are private, public, and nonprofit entities, including state, local, and tribal governments, that own and operate locomotives in Minnesota. To be eligible, these locomotives must have idled for at least 1,500 hours per year in Minnesota during the two years prior to upgrade, and applicants must intend to operate the locomotive in Minnesota for at least five years post-upgrade. The core impact goal is to significantly reduce diesel emissions, leading to improved air quality and better public health outcomes across the state. The program prioritizes the funding and installation of EPA-certified SmartWay idle reduction technology, automatic start/stop technology (where not legally mandated), and shore connection systems. Eligible technologies must be on EPA’s SmartWay Verified Technologies list at the time of acquisition and include auxiliary power units and generator sets (APU/GS), automatic engine shut-down/start-up systems (AESS) for Tier 0 or unregulated locomotives, and shore connection systems with a minimum use of 1,500 hours/year. Eligible costs also cover installation labor and, for battery electric projects, one charging unit per vehicle. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in diesel emissions from participating locomotives due to the implementation of idle-reduction technologies. The program aims to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices within the locomotive industry in Minnesota. Measurable results will be directly tied to the number of locomotives upgraded, the type of technology installed, and the documented reduction in idle hours and associated emissions. Grant contractors are also eligible, with specific criteria for qualification, further expanding the reach and impact of the program by facilitating broader participation.