The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) initiated the High-emitting Vehicle Repair Grant to address elevated ozone pollution levels in Minnesota. Several regions, including the Twin Cities, have hovered close to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone standards, creating an urgent need for targeted emission reduction strategies. Mobile sources, particularly older vehicles with faulty emission systems, are major contributors to ground-level ozone pollution. National data suggests that approximately 10% of light vehicles generate nearly half of total vehicle emissions, highlighting the disproportionate impact of high-emitting cars and trucks.
This grant sought a contractor—either a single organization or a team led by a primary applicant—to identify and repair high-emitting vehicles throughout the state. The selected grantee would partner with auto repair shops, car dealerships, technical colleges, or similar entities to carry out emission system diagnostics and repairs. The program specifically emphasized service to environmental justice communities, where older, higher-polluting vehicles are more commonly in use. By reducing harmful emissions in these areas, the grant aimed to improve air quality and protect vulnerable populations from elevated exposure.
Eligible applicants included for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees as well as nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities regardless of staff size. The grant was structured to provide up to $100,000 in funding to a single awardee. A 1:1 match was required, which could be fulfilled through cash, in-kind support, or other non-MPCA-administered grant funding. The full award amount could be applied to program costs such as vehicle diagnostics, emissions repairs, staffing, outreach, and coordination.
Applications were submitted through the Minnesota SWIFT Supplier Portal, using the event name or ID (2000016403) to locate the relevant materials. Applicants needed to register as a bidder in the portal to access and submit the RFP package. All questions about the grant were required to be submitted via email to grants.pca@state.mn.us by November 18, 2024. MPCA prohibited direct contact with staff and posted answers in the SWIFT portal.
Applications closed on November 25, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. This initiative represents one of MPCA’s focused interventions to reduce ozone emissions in advance of federal exceedance, protecting public health and reinforcing environmental equity. Although this round is closed, the structured approach and specific goals suggest the potential for similar future programs.
Do not contact MPCA staff directly; all questions must be emailed by Nov. 18 to avoid disqualification.
