The MiCDI is a group of government, industry, and nonprofit organizations working together to address diesel engine pollution in Michigan.  The objectives of the MiCDI are to help the state of Michigan achieve improvements in the federal air quality standards for particulate matter and ozone by:  

• Working with specific geographic areas and industry sectors of Michigan to identify where environmental improvements can be made through diesel emission reductions, including reasons for the emission reductions and major sources in the affected areas.

• Encouraging the development and expansion of innovative technologies that can be used by these industry sectors as well as ways to implement diesel emission reductions at the local level.

• Acting as a conduit to help identify funding opportunities and resources that can be used to implement diesel reduction technologies and strategies, and to provide resources for the application process.

How is the MiCDI linked to the U.S. EPA's efforts to reduce diesel engine pollution?

The Michigan Clean Diesel Initiative (MiCDI) is one of six regional state clean diesel coalitions that are a part of the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MDCI) at the regional level. 

Meeting Schedule

The MiCDI meets approximately 3-4 times a year in different parts of the state.  The following is a list of past meetings and an upcoming meeting schedule:

Funding Opportunities

Federal Grants

Congress recently appropriated funds for the first time under the auspices of the Energy Policy Act (2005) to help reduce harmful emissions from heavy duty diesel engines. The U.S. EPA awards grants to assist its eligible partners in building diesel emission reduction programs across the country that improve air quality and protect public health.

Eligible Partners

The U.S. EPA defines eligible partners as regional, state, local, or tribal agencies, port authorities, and non-profit organizations or institutions that provide air quality reduction/education services, or promote transportation or air quality.

Types of Applications Eligible for Grant Awards

Grant projects must include the application of a diesel emissions reduction solution that is an emission control technology that has been verified by either the U.S. EPA or California Air Resources Board (CARB). Examples of U.S. EPA or CARB-verified emission control technologies include:

• Retrofit Technologies (i.e. oxidation catalysts, aerodynamic hoods and particulate matter filters)
• Idle Reduction Technologies (i.e. auxillary power units and generator sets).
• Cleaner Fuel Use (i.e. cost differential associated with biodiesel substitution).
• Engine Repowers (i.e. replacement with new or cleaner engine and scrappage of old engine).
• Engine Upgrades (100% of cost of engine upgrade).
• Vehicle and Equipment Replacements (covering between 25-50% of cost).

Eligible Vehicles and Equipment

• Medium to heavy duty diesel vehicles, engines and ground installations used for either on-road or non-road applications (i.e. trucks, buses and other diesel equipment used for construction, handling cargo, farming, mining and energy production).
• Marine engines (i.e. tugboats and pushboats, ferries, excursion vessels , dredging equipment, container ships, tanker ships, bulk carrier ships and cruise ships).
• On-road or non-road applications that provide heat, air conditioning or electricity service to vehicles and equipment that is is stationary or temporarily parked (i.e. locomotives at rail yards and generator sets).

Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) Federal Stimulus Grants

• The U.S. EPA's 2009/2010 Request for Proposals (RFP)
  • National Competitive Grant 
  • Emerging Technologies Grant 
  • SmartWay Finance Program 

State of Michigan Grants

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)

• Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) - State Clean Diesel Grant
  • Request for Projects (RFP) - Closed - Next application process expected in the Fall 2010.
    • Application (word)
    • Budget Detail Sheet (xls)
    • Fleet Description Spreadsheet (xls)

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)  

• Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program for Diesel Emission Retrofit Funding
  • What is CMAQ? 
  • 2010-2011 Call for Projects
    • MDOT Annoucement Cover Letter 
    • Final Program Guidance
    • Funding Process Diagram
    • Funding Levels
    • Funding Levels by Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
    • Application Form
    • Instructions for Completing the Application Form
    • Worksheet 15: Diesel Emission Retrofit Projects
    • Instructions for Completing Worksheet 15

Michigan Department of Energy Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG)

The State of Michigan's Bureau of Energy Systems promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy resource development. Their program activities are designed to encourage the use of new technologies and alternative fuels in buildings, industrial processes, vehicles and in power generation. From time-to-time, the Energy Office offers grants, training and demonstration projects that promote the increased use of alternative fuels, vehicles, and idle reduction technologies. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit their web site at www.michigan.gov/deleg and select "Energy Systems" from the left-hand menu, and then look for "Energy Office News and Information" in the middle of the page. Or, you may call them directly at (517) 241-6228.

State of Michigan Loan Programs

The MDEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program provides loans of up to $400,000 at an interest rate of 5% or less to existing independently owned businesses with 500 or fewer full time employees. Loans are made to all types of Michigan businesses including manufacturing, farming, retail and service as long as the focus of the loan application is on pollution prevention (i.e. financing for idle reduction technologies such as auxiliary power units or diesel retrofit technologies for fleets).