The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced this week that applications are being accepted for the Pennsylvania State Clean Diesel Grant Program. School districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, state agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, and limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in Pennsylvania that operate diesel fleets are eligible to apply, a DEP news release said.

“Ensuring the quality of our air is one of DEP’s most important missions,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “These grants create opportunities for emissions reductions, helping Pennsylvania achieve cleaner air.”

The clean diesel program’s goal is to improve air quality by decreasing emissions from diesel-powered motor vehicles. The program supports projects that re-power or retrofit fleet vehicles to curb emissions; purchase and install idle-reduction technology; or purchase clean alternative-fuel fleet vehicles, the release said.

Since the program’s inception in 2008, DEP has awarded more than $1.9 million in grants.The program is funded through an annual allocation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s State Clean Diesel Program. Applications will be accepted through June 10. To apply or receive more information, visitwww.dep.state.pa.us, keyword “Clean Diesel.”