The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $26 million in grant funding available to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of diesel engines.
Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90% of the nation’s freight tonnage, according to the EPA, and today, nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines.
The EPA is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating in areas designated as having poor air quality. Priority for funding will be given to projects that engage and benefit local communities and to applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the projects have ended.
Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, and port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or promote, as their principal purpose, clean transportation or improved air quality.
The applicants may apply until Tuesday, April 26.
