VW Mitigation Plan

A 2017 agreement between the federal government and the Volkswagen Corporation (VW) created an Environmental Mitigation Trust to fund projects that mitigate air quality impacts from high-emitting diesel vehicles and engines. Delaware’s share of the Environmental Mitigation Trust is approximately $9.6 million. DNREC has developed a mitigation plan to accept and distribute these funds to eligible projects.

The agreement stemmed from a federal investigation of the VW Corporation and its subsidiaries regarding the installation and use of emissions-testing “defeat devices” in over 500,000 vehicles sold and operated in the United States beginning in 2009. Use of these defeat devices has increased air emissions of nitrogen oxide (NO_x), resulting in adverse impacts to air quality and violating the federal Clean Air Act.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) announces Phase 5 of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund Program. Requests are due by close of business on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

For more information, please contact Susana Aranda, at VW_Mitigation_Plan@delaware.gov or 302-739-9402.

Delaware’s Mitigation Plan

In response to the Settlement, the DNREC Division of Air Quality has developed a phased Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Plan to accept and distribute funds to eligible projects. The plan is focused on the eligible types of mitigation actions that can produce the greatest air quality benefit in terms of NO_x emission reductions, reduce public exposure and promote clean vehicle technologies.

Phases 1 Through 4

A table of projects in the first four phases provides a brief summary of the completed projects, the ongoing projects and reimbursements.

Lifetime emission reductions for Phases 1 through 4 replacements, in short tons (1 short ton = 2,000 lbs.) are as follows:

Nitrogen Oxide (NO_x) – 98.486

Fine Particulates (PM_2.5) – 5.113

Hydrocarbons (HC) – 7.067

Carbon Monoxide (CO) – 103.044

Phase 5

The State of Delaware anticipates awarding the remaining $2.5 million for the replacement of eligible vehicles and equipment.

Delaware has historically faced challenges in meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established by the EPA to protect human health. The transportation sector is the largest contributor of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

To improve air quality to healthy levels and comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act, Delaware has implemented mitigation programs that align within the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation initiative.

Key components of these programs include:

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Alternative fuel school and transit buses
Adoption of clean diesel and alternative fuel heavy-duty trucks
Improvements to port and freight equipment

Additionally, the State Implementation Plans (SIPs) outline Delaware’s strategies for achieving air quality goals by reducing emissions from various sectors, particularly transportation. These initiatives impact industry operations, governments initiatives and transportation planning efforts. Reducing emissions from the transportation sector is essential for meeting the state’s air quality goals.

The DNREC Division of Air Quality is accepting proposals to improve the state’s air by reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The Request for Proposals (RFP) announces Phase 5 of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund Program. Requests are due by close of business on Thursday, April 30, 2026.