DNREC seeks public input on improving state’s air quality using settlement funds from Volkswagen lawsuits

Public meeting on environmental mitigation plan set for Thursday, March 23 in Dover

DOVER – DNREC has learned from federal officials that Delaware can anticipate approximately $9 million from an Environmental Mitigation Trust established through partial settlement of lawsuits against the automakers Volkswagen and Audi for installing emissions “defeat devices” on vehicles in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. The Division of Air Quality will hold a public meeting Thursday, March 23, at 6 p.m. at the State Street Commons Building, 100 W. Water Street, Dover, DE 19904, on Delaware’s proposed environmental mitigation plan from the settlement.

The meeting is intended to gather public comment and solicit stakeholder input for implementing the mitigation plan in Delaware, in order to determine how the funds may be used by the state to improve air quality.

After public comments are incorporated, the final environmental plan will be established and air quality improvement projects will be requested under the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The proposed Volkswagen environmental mitigation plan is available on the DNREC website at: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/air/Pages/VWMitigationPlan.aspx

Media contact: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 47, No. 65

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