States got $3 billion in VW scandal, here’s how they’ll spend it

The Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal that cost the storied automaker more than 26 billion euros ($30.4 billion) is now helping fuel the rise of electric cars, buses and charging stations across the U.S.

As part of a series of sweeping settlements, Volkswagen has agreed to pay almost $3 billion to fund efforts to cut pollution from diesel engines in every state. It’s up to local officials to decide what to do with the money, but there are a few strings attached: It must be used to reduce a central component of smog, nitrogen oxide. And only 15 percent can pay for electric-vehicle charging infrastructure.

The debate over how to spend it is playing out differently in each state, which received amounts based on how many Volkswagens with emissiontest-cheating software were registered within their borders. California tops the list, landing $422.6 million. Texas comes next, with $209.3 million. States have 15 years to spend the money. More than 10 have finalized their plans, according to the Sierra Club, which is tracking the effort. Here are a few examples:

California will spend its money mostly on replacing heavy-duty trucks, buses and equipment with zero-emission models. The state will also invest in electric-vehicle charging stations and efforts to cut emissions at freight facilities.

Pennsylvania’s plan includes funding projects to retrofit diesel-burning locomotives, marine engines and other equipment that sullies the air. The state will focus on densely populated areas -- including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- where impoverished neighborhoods tend to be disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Minnesota, which received $47 million, is spending money on grants to replace hundreds of diesel school buses, ferries, tug boats and other heavyduty vehicles. It also plans to develop about 65 electric vehicle charging stations.

Georgia, awarded $63.6 million, plans to spend money on a fleet of electric buses and charging depots, including terminal-to-terminal emission-free shuttles to replace diesel burning models at Hartsfield-jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Connecticut, which got $55.7 million, plans to make $7.5 million of that available for grants to reduce nitrogen oxide in a variety of vehicles.