Go RED! supports projects that reduce emissions from older diesel engines. Depending on the project, funding may be available for replacing vehicles or equipment, replacing or upgrading engines, installing idle-reduction technologies, adding exhaust controls, or transitioning to cleaner technologies.
A variety of diesel vehicles and equipment may qualify, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, nonroad equipment, marine engines, and locomotives.
For Arkansas fleets that already know they have aging diesel equipment that will need to be replaced, Go RED! could help make that investment a little easier.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants can include public, private, and nonprofit organizations in Arkansas.
There are requirements related to how long the existing vehicle or equipment has been owned and operated in Arkansas, as well as requirements for how long the replacement equipment must remain in operation in the state. Because eligibility can vary depending on the type of project, applicants should review the 2026 Applicant Guide before beginning an application.
Funding is generally provided as a reimbursement for a portion of eligible project costs, so organizations should also pay close attention to the required cost share.
Most projects can receive awards of up to $200,000 per applicant, while some larger projects, including certain zero-tailpipe-emission vehicle and equipment replacements, marine projects, and locomotive projects, may be eligible for awards of up to $500,000.
Replacing Equipment? Don’t Forget About Scrappage
One important part of Go RED! that applicants should understand before applying is the program’s scrappage requirement.
If you’re receiving funding to replace an older vehicle, engine, or piece of equipment, the equipment being replaced generally has to be permanently disabled or scrapped. DEQ also requires documentation showing that the process was completed correctly.
This can include photos of the equipment before and after it is disabled, VIN or serial number information, engine information, and other documentation.
It is worth reviewing these requirements before starting your project. Knowing what needs to be documented ahead of time can save a lot of frustration later when it is time to request reimbursement.
Why This Matters for Arkansas
Replacing a heavy-duty vehicle or piece of equipment is expensive, especially for smaller fleets, local governments, schools, nonprofits, agricultural operations, and businesses that may be working with limited budgets.
At the same time, many of these organizations rely on diesel equipment every day and may have older vehicles or machines that are reaching the end of their useful lives.
Go RED! can help bridge some of that gap.
By helping organizations replace older diesel equipment with newer and cleaner technologies, the program can support fleet modernization while reducing emissions and improving air quality in communities across Arkansas.
Apply Early
There are three remaining application deadlines for 2026:
September 30, 2026
October 31, 2026
November 30, 2026
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on each deadline.
However, organizations shouldn’t necessarily wait until November. Applications are reviewed through monthly funding rounds, and the program will close once available funding has been awarded.
If you have an eligible project in mind, getting an application together early gives your organization the best opportunity to be considered while funding is still available.
Ready to Learn More?
The Arkansas DEQ Go RED! webpage has the application materials and additional information you need to get started: https://adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/gored/
Before applying, take some time to read through the 2026 Go RED! Applicant Guide. It provides more information about eligible projects, funding levels, cost-share requirements, application requirements, and how projects are evaluated: https://adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/gored/pdfs/go-red-applicant-guide-2026.pdf
If your project involves replacing an existing diesel vehicle or piece of equipment, you should also review DEQ’s Scrappage Tips: https://adeq.state.ar.us/air/planning/gored/pdfs/scrappage-tips.pdf
At Arkansas Clean Cities, we’re always looking for opportunities that can help Arkansas fleets move toward cleaner, more efficient transportation. Go RED! is one more resource that organizations across the state can use to make those projects a little more achievable.
If replacing older diesel vehicles or equipment is already on your organization’s to-do list, now is a great time to see if Go RED! can help.
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