Delaware has several programs designed to reduce air emissions by promoting clean fuels and alternative vehicle use.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel fuel is in use by DelDOT heavy duty diesel trucks and DNREC Parks and Recreation maintenance tractors. Heavy duty vehicles manufactured in 2007 are required to comply with EPA 2007 engine and fuel standards reducing particulate matter by 90 percent. Using the Department of Energy’s Alternate Fuel Locator, drivers can type in their address and search for nearby stations.

The Delaware Clean Cities Coalition

Clean Cities is a deployment program within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Vehicle Technologies (VT) program. Clean Cities deploys the technologies developed through VT. Delaware’s program links these technologies to users across our state, and works to advance the economic, environmental, and energy security in Delaware by reducing the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Clean Cities provides a framework to develop a strategic program plan and create partnerships throughout our State that work to reduce our dependence on petroleum.

Transportation and Climate Initiative

The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a regional collaboration of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions that seeks to develop the clean energy economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.

Delaware’s Low Emission Vehicle Program

By adopting California’s motor vehicle emission vehicle standards, Delaware joined a growing number of states, currently at 14 (including the District of Columbia), committed to reducing pollution from motor vehicles.

These standards (7 DE Admin. Code 1140) became effective in Delaware for model year 2014 vehicles, significantly reducing a number of emissions including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The VOC reduction achieved from this program is expected to be greater than the existing federal standards.

The program requires vehicle manufacturers to submit annual reports to the Division of Air Quality.

Delaware Advance Clean Car Program

The state of Delaware adopted the Delaware Advance Clean Cars regulation in December of 2023. Starting with model year 2027, automobile manufacturers will be required to include a specified percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the fleet of cars they provide for sale in Delaware. Manufacturers may choose to earn early action credits for the ZEVs they deliver for sale in Delaware, starting with model year 2023.

Clean Fuel and Transportation Initiatives

DNREC offers rebates for clean fuel and electric vehicles and equipment through the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

Related Topics:  air quality, clean air, emissions, fuel, mobile, transportation