EcoStar grants

Okay, folks, you'll need a shovel-ready project for this opportunity, as the due date is Thursday, March 10th.

Constellation Energy has released details on its EcoStar Grant Program for 501(c)(3) organizations.  Grants are for up to $5,000, with a cap of 20% for admin expenses.  Also, the program has to be within a geographic region where Constellation Energy does business, so that can limit some participation.

Here are the areas of interest:

• Pollution Prevention:  Recycling projects, drop-off collection events, litter reduction, or tree plantings
• Education:  Workshops, seminars, training, or public relations
• Energy Efficiency:  Projects or partnerships that support large and small scale energy conservation measures
• Conservation:  Wetlands restoration, wildlife/habitat protection
• Community Activism:  Neighborhood clean-ups, create public green spaces, community gardens, urban forests

If you're interested or know of a group that might be, be sure to check out Constellation Energy's website.

Clean Diesel Funding Opportunity

We wanted to make you aware of an RFP (request for proposal) offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.  Approximately $32 million is available, with applications due January 13, 2011.

Who's eligible?

A regional, state, local, tribal agency, or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality can apply.  So can non-profits or institutions that provide pollution reduction or educational services to organizations that operate diesel fleets.  School districts, municipalities, cities, and counties are also eligible, but they must fit the same criteria as the other organizations.

What sort of projects are eligible?

The EPA wants proposals for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions.  This could include retrofit devices, cleaner fuels, engine upgrades, idle reduction technologies, or vehicle or equipment replacement, to name a few.  Buses, medium-duty, or heavy-duty trucks, equipment or vehicles used in construction or agriculture would be eligible.

If you're interested, you'll need to check out the RFP announcement on the EPA's website to make sure you qualify and have the right sort of project.  Remember:  the deadline is January 13th.