The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $11 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.
As reported by the EPA, the funding program is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the administrator as poor air quality areas.
Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment include the following:
- School buses;
- Class 5 – Class 8 heavy-duty highway vehicles;
- Locomotive engines;
- Marine engines; and
- Nonroad engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo (including at ports or airports), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps).
Grant funds may be used for clean diesel projects, including the following:
- EPA-verified technologies or certified engine configurations;
- California Air Resources Board EXIT-verified technologies or certified engines;
- Idle-reduction technologies that are EPA-verified;
- Aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires that are EPA-verified; and
- Early engine, vehicle or equipment replacements with certified engine configurations.
Funds awarded under this program cannot be used to fund emission reductions mandated by federal law. Equipment for testing emissions or fueling infrastructure is not eligible for funding, the agency adds.
