Guide Volkswagen Diesel Settlements & Environmental Mitigation

There are six grant programs, funded by the Volkswagen Settlement and administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), that are aimed at reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Massachusetts, while supporting electrification of the state's transportation network.

• MassEVIP Direct Current Fast Charging
  Provides property owners with publicly accessible parking and educational campuses acquire electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations.
• MassEVIP Fleets
  Helps Massachusetts cities, towns, state agencies, and public colleges and universities acquire EVs for their fleets.
• Multi-Unit Dwelling & Educational Campus Charging
  Provides incentives for owners of multi-unit dwellings to acquire EV charging stations.
• MassDEP Public Access Charging
  Helps property owners and managers with publicly accessible parking acquire EV charging stations.
• MassEVIP Workplace & Fleet Charging
  Provides incentives for employers and fleet operators to acquire EV charging stations.
• Volkswagen Settlement Open Solicitation Grants
  Available to public and private entities for eligible projects that will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Volkswagen Group of America (VW) admitted publicly in 2015 that it had secretly and deliberately installed software "defeat devices" designed to cheat state emissions tests. Nearly 590,000 model year 2009 to 2016 Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche vehicles with 2.0- and 3.0-liter diesel engines that the company sold or leased to American consumers were affected. 

Residents of Massachusetts own or lease about 14,000 of the affected vehicles which, due to VW's actions, have emitted smog-causing oxides of nitrogen (NOx) at levels of up to 40 times higher than allowed.

In response to complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the attorneys general of several states, including Massachusetts, courts have approved a series of partial settlements resolving some aspects of the case. To date, these partial settlements require VW to:

• Offer buy-backs, early lease terminations or emissions control modifications to the owners or lessees of at least 85 percent of all affected vehicles.
• Invest $2 billion to promote the use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and related infrastructure across the country.
• Establish a $3 billion environmental mitigation trust to fund national and state projects aimed at offsetting the excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions caused by VW's actions.

Under terms of the court-approved partial settlements, Massachusetts is expected to receive more than $75 million to spend on environmental mitigation projects. MassDEP is developing a plan for investing these funds in better air quality, cleaner transportation, and healthier communities across the state.

If you purchased or leased an affected Volkswagen or Audi vehicle with a 2.0-liter diesel engine or Volkswagen, Audi or Porsche vehicle with a 3.0-liter diesel engine, the court-approved partial settlements give you the option of either:

• Selling it back to Volkswagen (VW) or terminating your VW lease without penalty, or 
• Bringing your vehicle to a local VW dealer for an Approved Emissions Modification. 

Regardless of the option you select, you will also receive financial restitution from VW. The amount will depend on vehicle type and whether you own or lease. For additional information, visit: VWCourtSettlement.com

Want to receive periodic updates from MassDEP on the VW settlements, environmental mitigation project planning, outreach events, and more? The agency maintains an email list. Manage your subscription preferences below.