The EPA announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program which will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits. These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.
鈥淓very community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,鈥� said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. 鈥淲ith the latest round of funding, EPA鈥檚 successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.鈥�
鈥淔or almost 20 years now, the competitive grants administered through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program have taken inefficient and old diesel engines off the road and replaced them with cleaner, American-made technology,鈥� said Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Tom Carper. 鈥淭his $125 million award will help the nation transition to a cleaner economy while also protecting vulnerable communities. This program is a testament to the kind of public-private partnerships that drive environmental and economic progress by reducing air pollution, creating American jobs, and making communities safer and healthier.鈥�
Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines.聽In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:
- Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.
- Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.
- Benefit local communities.
- Incorporate local communities in project planning.
- Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.
- Illustrate preparation for workforce development.
- Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.