Comment Period Closes February 28, 2017
In late 2015, Volkswagen (VW) publicly admitted it had secretly and deliberately installed defeat device software designed to cheat emissions tests and deceive federal and state regulators in nearly 500,000 VW and Audi branded 2.0-liter diesel vehicles sold to American consumers. On October 25, 2016 a partial settlement was approved that resolves consumer claims concerning the 2.0-liter diesel vehicles.
As a result of this partial settlement (Appendix D), Connecticut is expected to receive over $50 million to mitigate excess air pollution caused by VW’s actions. By the terms of the settlement, this funding is required to finance extensive mitigation projects to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from a wide array of both on road and non-road mobile sources and a portion of which can be used for electric vehicle fueling infrastructure.
In order to receive the mitigation funds, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must develop a state mitigation plan that: addresses the types of eligible mitigation actions; sets out the process by which DEEP will administer the funds; and describes the range of emission benefits. This plan must also be made available for public review and comment.
DEEP is announcing an informal public comment period on the proposed state mitigation plan. Because the mitigation plan is expected to have a significant positive impact in Connecticut, DEEP is requesting input from the public to help inform the development of the final mitigation plan prior to taking any formal action. In addition to seeking general comments on the overall plan approach of maintaining flexibility within the framework of the settlement, DEEP is seeking input regarding projects that could yield the greatest air quality benefit in terms of NOx reductions per funds expended and specific recommendations and information on possible subject areas where mitigation projects would yield additional economic, environmental and energy benefits within Connecticut. However, this is not a formal solicitation for projects.
For more information on how to comment, details of the public meeting and additional information on the VW Settlement, please visit DEEP’s VW Settlement webpage.
How to comment to DEEP: You may email written comments to [email protected], or send via postal mail to the Bureau of Air Management, Mobile Sources Division, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 79 Elm Street, 5th Floor, Hartford, CT 06106 from January 18, 2017 to February 28, 2017. Please provide your full name, company name (if applicable), address, e-mail, and telephone number.
Public meeting: DEEP is holding a public informational meeting from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on February 23, 2017 in the McCarthy Auditorium at DEEP’s main offices located at 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut. The only topic under consideration will be the proposed state mitigation plan and eligible mitigation actions under the plan.
Federal information: The full Partial Settlement, including Appendix D that specifically deals with the Environmental Mitigation Trust, as well as additional related information, is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at www.epa.gov/enforcement/volkswagen-clean-air-act-partial-settlement.
Connecticut information: DEEP has established a VW Settlement web page with information about Connecticut’s response to the Settlement: www.ct.gov/deep/vw. It is encouraged that you also sign up for our VW mailing list to be notified of future news and opportunities.
ADA Publication Statement: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request an accommodation, call 860-424-3194, or [email protected].
Notice of Informal Public Comment Period(pdf)
Connecticut’s Proposed State Mitigation Plan(pdf)