Connecticut Allocates $15M for Clean Air Projects

Funding comes from Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A minimalist illustration featuring overlapping geometric shapes in deep blue, forest green, and bright yellow, conceptually representing sustainable transportation and clean air initiatives in Connecticut.Connecticut's $15 million investment in clean air projects aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation across the state.Hartford Today

Governor Ned Lamont announced that the state of Connecticut is making $15 million available from the national legal settlement with Volkswagen over its emissions cheating scandal. The funds will be used to support clean air projects across the state.

Why it matters

Connecticut has struggled with air pollution and climate change issues, and this funding represents a significant investment to address these environmental challenges and improve air quality for residents.

The details

The $15 million in funding will be used to support a variety of clean air initiatives, including the replacement of older diesel vehicles, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and other projects aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.

  • The announcement was made on April 7, 2026.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of the State of Connecticut.

Volkswagen Corporation

An automaker that was involved in an emissions cheating scandal, leading to a national legal settlement that is now providing funding for clean air projects in Connecticut.

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What they’re saying

“Climate change and smoggy air pollution are hurting the folks who live and work in Connecticut and cannot be ignored.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut

What’s next

The state will begin accepting applications for the clean air funding in the coming weeks, with the goal of distributing the $15 million to approved projects by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This investment in clean air initiatives represents Connecticut's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving the quality of life for its residents, using funds from the Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement.