MPCA is offering approximately $150,000 in grant funding to replace 2-cycle gasoline-powered landscaping and snow removal equipment with electric-powered equipment.
Gasoline-powered landscaping equipment is a significant source of air emissions in urban areas, impacting the health of equipment operators and the populated communities they serve.
The maximum award is $24,000 with a 50% required match.
Eligible applicants:
- Businesses under 500 employees
- Governmental agencies or tribal nations
- Educational institutions
- Non-governmental organizations (e.g., nonprofits, trade groups, industry associations)
Equipment used near populations sensitive to air pollution, in environmental justice areas, and in communities with higher air pollution will tend to score highest. All equipment being replaced must be scrapped or made inoperable.
Apply now! Deadline: March 31, 2021
More than $300,000 in grants has already helped over 100 businesses and organizations switch to electric-powered equipment, such as chainsaws, pole pruners, lawn mowers, string or hedge trimmers, and handheld or backpack blowers. These purchases will reduce annual air emissions by 260 tons of VOCs.
Replacing summer or winter 2-cycle gas-powered equipment with electric-powered eliminates localized air pollution and can have the following benefits:
- Lighter - Easy to use and carry across distances and multiple locations.
- Powerful - Equal performance to gas in many common applications.
- Saves money - No more buying gas. Also less maintenance and lost productivity from being in the shop or delays from flooding.
- Safer for employees - Eliminates engine exhaust, reducing odors and respiratory effects; lessen hearing loss; ease cord-pulling and lifting-related injuries; and prevents burns.
- Community health - Reduce air pollution in urban areas and lessen noise disruptions.
Review grant materials, application, and Q&A on the MPCA alternative landscaping grants webpage.
