Similar Stories to Colorado’s Plans For $68.7 Million Volkswagen Pollution Settlement Finalized on Bing News

Colorado has finalized plans for spending the $68.7 million the state will get in the Volkswagen emission scandal settlement. The state’s plan, which was first made public in September, was finalized this week and the “trust makes all areas of the state eligible to receive funding,” according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Beneficiary Mitigation Plan also aims to “benefit air quality in areas that bear a disproportionate share of the air pollution burden.” The week’s CDPHE release includes data and maps on “locations of excess emissions” based on the approximate 11,140 Volkswagen vehicles registered In Colorado at the time the cheating was discovered.” Audi and Porsche also were among the German vehicle brands included in the massive fine and settlement. Show Caption of Expand The “preponderance” of pollution from cheating vehicles was along urban corridors from Fort Collins to Denver and the Pikes Peak region. Colorado’s goals for using the money includes: $18 million to replace about 450 trucks, school and shuttle buses, railroad freight switchers, airport equipment and heavy forklifts with alternative fuel or electric vehicles. $18 million to replace buses with alternative fuel or electrical vehicles and to install charging infrastructure for electric buses. $11.7 million as flexible funds that will be allocated to the areas with the most demand. $10.3 million to buy, install, operate and maintain electric charging stations in public areas, workplaces and multi-unit dwellings. The state’s replacement plans include both public and private fleet vehicles. The Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) applauded the state plan. “Volkswagen’s misleadingly dirty cars emitted pollutants by as much as 40 times over the legal limit,” said Danny Katz, director of the CoPIRG Foundation, in a news release.