Hardship Relief for Participants in the Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers (TPEM) of Heavy Equipment

• TPEM
• TPEM Hardship Relief

• Overview
• Regulatory requirements and recordkeeping
• Who can participate
• How to apply
• Help desk for TPEM hardship relief

---

Overview

When current TPEM participants face unusual circumstances that cause technical or economic hardship, EPA regulations provide opportunities for additional allowances through hardship relief.

• Transition Program for Equipment Manufacturers

If granted, the amount of hardship relief may depend on the applicant's circumstances and the type of relief requested. 

---

Regulatory Requirements and Recordkeeping

Requirements for hardship relief depend on the type of relief.

1. Technical or engineering hardship relief; and
2. Economic hardship relief.

• Regulatory requirements and recordkeeping for TPEM hardship relief

---

Who can participate

• Manufacture heavy equipment;
• Are already participating in TPEM;
• Are not in violation of TPEM regulations and the allowance they selected;
• Meet the requirements for the type of hardship relief they are seeking;
• Can demonstrate that their company will face hardship when their regular TPEM allowances run out;
• Can demonstrate that alternate engine suppliers could not ease or eliminate the impending hardship; and
• Can demonstrate that the impending hardship:
  • Is not their fault;
  • Is outside of their control; and
  • Could not be avoided by prudent planning.

---

How to Apply

Complete the following five steps:

1. Determine whether you qualify.

•  Pre-Screening Tool for Hardship Relief

2. Fill out additional paperwork.

• Application Questionnaire for TPEM Hardship Relief Request

3. Assemble application package.

Make sure your package includes all items listed below. Incomplete packages will not be processed.

4. Submit your completed application package.

In order to expedite processing, increase efficiency, and decrease environmental impact, EPA prefers submission by email.

Method	Contact Information
Email (EPA's preferred method)	TPEMHardshipRelief@epa.gov
US Postal Service or Courier Mail* (includes mail or delivery by FedEx, UPS, etc.)	Director, Diesel Engine Compliance Center U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Transportation & Air Quality 2000 Traverwood Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Verify Submission	Currently NOT available

NOTE:
* Submissions that are mailed or delivered may experience processing delays.

5. EPA's review process.

EPA conducts reviews in two phases. You may not start using any additional allowances until you have received official notification of EPA's decision at the end of Phase 2.

Phase	Description of Process	Duration
Phase 1	Preliminary review is conducted to determine: Whether your application is complete; and Meets pre-screening requirements.	Duration of this phase depends on your ability to submit a complete application.
Phase 2	This phase: Includes an in-depth review of all components of the application; May include requests for more information; and Will end in an official letter to the applicant indicating EPA's final decision.	Lasts between 45 and 70 business days.

---

Help Desk for TPEM Hardship Relief

• Email: TPEMHardshipRelief@epa.gov
• Phone: 1-888-697-2367