DEP Grants Allow for Emission Reduction Measures
Trenton N.J. – The City of Trenton is pleased to announce the reception of a nearly $1.5 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for the purchase of two new electric sanitation vehicles.
“I’m excited that we can make this step toward electrifying our city sanitation vehicles. As the world shifts away from gas-powered vehicles, Trenton is joining other cities in taking these bold steps to address climate change and air quality issues. With this incredible grant from the NJDEP, we are saving taxpayers money and taking an important step towards an environmentally sustainable fleet of vehicles,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora.
Under NJDEP’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, this grant funding is intended to counter the air quality impacts of excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The program allows for grant funding to be used in the repower or replacement of equipment, including the replacement of gas-powered vehicles with new electric vehicles.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Wahab Onitiri added, “DPW is constantly looking for new ways to save city taxpayers money while providing the same or greater levels of services to constituents. We’ll be able to replace two vehicles from our fleet with this grant funding and we look forward to seeing them on our city roads.”
The City of Trenton will be purchasing two electric-powered refuse trucks from Hudson County Motors, two BYD 40KwH electric chargers, as well as other necessary electric infrastructure. Hudson County Motors will be building the trucks, which will make their debut on Trenton streets next year. The same electric sanitation vehicles are being utilized in Jersey City where they have been operating for over a year with resounding success.
East Ward Trenton City Councilman Joe Harrison affirmed, “It’s great to see the City of Trenton winning another state grant: When we work together with our intergovernmental partners, Trenton leads and succeeds.”
