October 3, 2025

North Carolina Allocates Over $1.1 Million for Air Quality Initiatives

Asheville, North Carolina, October 3, 2025

News Summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality announced the allocation of over $1.1 million in grants to reduce air pollution from diesel-powered vehicles. This funding will support various initiatives to replace or retrofit older diesel vehicles with cleaner technologies, benefiting businesses in Buncombe and Swain Counties. Key projects include electric utility vehicles and compressed natural gas trucks, enhancing air quality and public health.

Asheville, North Carolina – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has announced the allocation of more than $1.1 million in grants aimed at reducing air pollution from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. The total grant amount of $1.14 million, disclosed by the Division of Air Quality, will fund initiatives across four businesses, with one in Buncombe County and three in Swain County.

The primary goal of these grants is to facilitate the replacement or retrofitting of older diesel-powered vehicles with cleaner technology. Projects approved for funding include the purchase of electric utility vehicles, natural gas-powered trucks, and modern construction equipment. Notably, over $270,000 of the funding is specifically designated for new electric vehicles.

The largest grant awarded was $289,380 to Cumberland County for the replacement of a box truck and two bulldozers with more efficient models. Delta Air Lines also received a grant of $268,248 to replace six diesel belt loaders at Raleigh-Durham International Airport with electric models. In Buncombe County, Waste Management of Carolinas was provided $120,000 to replace four diesel vehicles with near-zero emission compressed natural gas trucks.

In Swain County, three businesses were recipients of grants, with Espinoza Hauling and Trucking Co. receiving $185,991. Fortner Contracting Inc. was awarded $62,039, and HMC Paving and Construction Co. received $19,913.

These grants are financed through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program. The program is focused on addressing pollution from diesel engines, which are well-known contributors to fine particulate matter and other pollutants associated with serious health issues, including asthma and heart disease. In 2023 alone, the program funded the replacement of 18 vehicles, which resulted in a reduction of over 43 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions and 3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the equipment’s operational lifetime.

Overview of Funded Projects

Buncombe County: Waste Management of Carolinas – $120,000 for compressed natural gas trucks
Swain County:
- Espinoza Hauling and Trucking Co. – $185,991
- Fortner Contracting Inc. – $62,039
- HMC Paving and Construction Co. – $19,913
Additional Projects:
- Cumberland County: $289,380 for a box truck and two bulldozers
- Delta Air Lines: $268,248 for electric belt loaders

Significance of the Grants

This funding is part of a broader strategy to combat air pollutants emitted from diesel engines which have been linked to severe health impacts. By supporting projects that implement cleaner technology, North Carolina aims to create a healthier environment for its residents while contributing to national efforts toward air quality improvement.

Future Implications

The successful implementation of these grants will not only help reduce immediate pollution levels but also establish a precedent for future initiatives. As more organizations make the transition to cleaner technologies, the state anticipates further advancements in public health and environmental sustainability.

FAQ Section

What is the total amount of grants awarded by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality?

The total grant amount is $1.14 million.

How many businesses will benefit from these grants?

The grants will benefit four businesses: one in Buncombe County and three in Swain County.

What is the purpose of the grants?

The program aims to replace or retrofit older diesel-powered vehicles with cleaner technology.

What types of vehicles are included in the projects funded?

Awarded projects will include purchases of electric utility vehicles, natural gas-powered trucks, and modern construction equipment.

What are the health impacts associated with diesel emissions?

Pollution from diesel engines is linked to health issues such as asthma and heart disease.

Key Features of the Grant Program

Feature	Details
Total Grant Amount	$1.14 million
Number of Benefiting Businesses	4 (1 in Buncombe, 3 in Swain)
Environmental Focus	Retrofitting and replacing diesel vehicles with cleaner technology
Specific Funding for Electric Vehicles	$270,000
Health Impact Targets	Aimed at reducing pollutants linked to health issues