Prevent nonattainment grants

Funding is available for the following entities:

Public organizations and eligible nonprofit organizations for projects in Benton, Clark, Franklin, King, Okanogan, Pierce, Skamania,  Snohomish, Stevens, Walla Walla, or Yakima counties. Applicants must be located in and registered to operate legally in Washington.

• City/town
• Clean air agency
• Conservation district
• County
• Local health department
• Non-profit or 501(c)(3) organization
• Port
• Public utility district
• State agency
• Transit agency
• Federally-recognized Tribe

Eligible projects must:

• Be located in Benton, Clark, Franklin, King, Okanogan, Pierce, Skamania,  Snohomish, Stevens, Walla Walla, or Yakima counties. See the appendix in the grant guidelines (2025‑2027).
• Address the pollutant of concern (i.e., carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution (PM₁₀, PM_2.5)) in the project area, and provide measurable estimates of emissions reduced or related project metrics (e.g., tons of yard waste diverted, etc.).

Examples of eligible projects:

• Alternatives to outdoor burning — Create a community composting program, chipping, or curbside collection of yard waste.
• Buying equipment — Buy equipment (chippers, grinders, flail mowers, clean burning devices, or small off-road engines). We recommend a zero emissions alternative.
• Alternatives to agricultural burning — Chipping or flailing of orchard tear-out, contracting a commercial chipping operation, excavation, and hauling.
• Reducing agricultural dust — Provide cost share programs, incentives, or technical support to agricultural producers to use direct seed or no till farming practices.
• Reducing commute trips — Provide incentives to reduce single occupant commutes, use alternative transportation (carpooling, public transit, biking, walking). Engage local employers to start or expand commute trip reduction.

Community outreach, engagement, or education activities may be included as part of a project, but cannot be the main focus. Related costs may not exceed 25% of the total budget.

Ineligible projects:

• Wildfire smoke — Wildfire is managed by Department of Natural Resources. Air quality impacts from wildfire smoke can be excluded from nonattainment designation under EPA's exceptional events rule.
• Air quality monitoring — Air quality monitoring is conducted by Ecology, clean air agencies, Tribes, and EPA.
• Wood stove replacement, electric vehicle charging stations, and vehicle replacement are funded by other Ecology grant programs.