The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it is awarding $30 million for clean diesel projects as part of its Diesel Emission Reduction Program, also known as DERA. The initiative is designed to replace, retrofit or repower older diesel-powered engines in trucks, buses and other vehicles.
‘The combination of new clean diesel technology and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has helped to reduce diesel emissions to near zero levels for new buses, trucks and off-road equipment,’ says Allen Schaeffer, executive director of nonprofit group the Diesel Technology Forum. ‘Now the older engines that continue to power our economy will also benefit from the upgraded engines and filters provided by DERA.’
Various projects have received funding, such as $900,000 to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to replace up to 29 refuse haulers    and $450,000 supporting Sioux Falls School District's replacement of 18 school buses.
A number of projects are also repowering large diesels, such as marine vessels and locomotives.
