EPA reduced diesel emission funding

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced April 24 the availability of grant funding to modernize the nation’s diesel fleet by retrofitting or replacing vehicles with cleaner, more efficient diesel engines. EPA anticipates awarding about $40M in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds. EPA Region 4 covers most Gulf Coast states. Region 6 will accept proposals requesting up to $2.5M, and includes Louisiana. Diesel-powered engines move some 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage. Nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines. EPA is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions, especially in areas designated as having poor air quality. Eligible applicants include regional, state, local tribal agencies, some non-profit groups, and port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Applicants must request funding from their EPA regional geographic project location office. There are 10 regional offices across the country. EPA anticipates releasing a separate Request for Proposals for Tribal applicants later this year. Since the first year of DERA, EPA has awarded funds to more than 730 projects. (Source: EPA 04/24/18)