John R. Trendowski, P.E. and Mia Held, ENV SP, C&S Engineers, Inc.

Looking for funding for emission reduction projects at your airport? FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program and Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Pilot Program are two potential sources. Although both programs have been around for over 10 years, eligibility and use of these programs have expanded to promote sustainability initiatives across the country. Application development is only one hurdle of the process. Intricacies such as Federal compliance, dealer and vendor coordination, and the completion of the bidding process, can make these programs somewhat of a minefield where experience is key to successful navigation.

VALE

The VALE program began in 2004 to implement clean technology projects that improve air quality at airports. Representative projects have included gate electrification and pre-conditioned air, remote ground power, electric charging infrastructure for airline electric ground support equipment conversion, geothermal heating, solar hot water systems and hydrant fueling. Previously, VALE projects have been limited to airports in areas designated as non-attainment or maintenance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).  With the lobbying of airport trade organizations such as ACI-NA, Congress and FAA have opened the program to any commercial airport, regardless of location.

The expansion of the VALE Program also eliminates the need for a Letter of Assurance from the State Air Quality regulatory agency, which was both time consuming and at times hindered the timely completion of an application. The majority of requirements remain, including emission reduction calculations using the latest version of the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), a cost effectiveness analysis, public bidding of the project, and meeting the “Buy American” requirements. Sponsor reimbursement continues to be at least 75% for large to medium hubs and 90% for small hubs. For more information on the VALE program, visit www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/vale

ZEV

While VALE is ideal for large infrastructure emission reduction projects, the FAA ZEV Pilot Program allows airports eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to purchase zero-emission airport vehicles and their requisite infrastructure. A zero-emission vehicle is free of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG), currently limited to all-electric vehicles (EV) or those with hydrogen-powered drive trains. Over the past five years, the amount of FAA funding under the ZEV Program has steadily increased, with 16 airports being awarded approximately $19.5 million in FY2023 and additional supplementary funds made available in 2023 and 2024.

Similar to VALE, sponsor reimbursement under ZEV varies from 75-90% based on airport size, with AIP grant assurances and “Buy American” procedures required for ZEV funding. While electric vehicles and buses have become more prevalent, these requirements have not necessarily become easier to meet. Providing the necessary documentation to prove “Buy American” of an EV can be challenging and time consuming.  A new requirement for the ZEV program in 2024 allows applicants with a long-term management plan for the transition to alternative fuel vehicles preference in the grant allocation process.  In addition, selection criteria does not factor in the location of an airport with respect to the NAAQS but by the greatest air quality benefits measured by cost per ton of emissions reduced. For more information on the ZEV program, visit www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/zero_emissions_vehicles

Conclusion

Both VALE and ZEV provide a means to receive funding to reduce emissions of pollutants and GHGs to improve the air quality for airport workers, the local community and the environment.  Pre-applications for VALE and ZEV funding for Fiscal Year 2025 are due by November 1, 2024. Reach out as soon as possible to your ADO to begin necessary pre-application coordination.

Please feel free to contact the authors of this article at (315) 455-2000, jtrendowski@cscos.com or mheld@cscos.com.

John Trendowski

John Trendowski is a Professional Engineer and has provided air quality, environmental, and sustainability services to airports, governmental entities and industry for over 30 years. John specializes in emission inventories, regulatory compliance, and mitigation projects to reduce criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases. To date, John has assisted airports across the country obtain over $110 million in VALE funding.

 

Mia Held 

Mia Held is an Airport Planner with a formal background in Community & Regional Planning. She advises airports on sustainability and resilience, electrification, community engagement and master planning projects. Mia has supported airports across the US in the acquisition of everything from UTVs to heavy-duty vehicles through the ZEV program.

 

 

DISCLAIMER

This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.