The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Midwest Region (Region 7) will accept diesel emissions reduction proposals requesting up to $1.5 million from eligible applicants in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $44 million across the country in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant program funding to eligible applicants.
DERA funding implements projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines.
“Modernizing our nation’s aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles is an important part of the Trump Administration’s plan to further reduce harmful emissions and guide counties and states from nonattainment into attainment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our hope is that through these upgrades and ongoing efforts, communities will continue to see improved health outcomes for their residents, ensuring all Americans breathe cleaner air.”
Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90% of the nation’s freight tonnage, and today nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines.
EPA is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality. Those applicants in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska can contact Greg Crable, Region 7 air program, at 913-551-7391 or [email protected].
Applicants may request funding to upgrade or replace diesel-powered buses, trucks, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad equipment with newer, cleaner technologies. Priority for funding will also be given to projects that engage and benefit local communities and applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.
EPA anticipates releasing a separate Tribal DERA grant funding opportunity in early 2020.
Since the first year of the DERA program in 2008, EPA has competitively awarded over 790 grants and 420 rebates across the country. Many of these projects funded cleaner diesel engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease.
Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or 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 have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. Applicants may apply until Feb. 26, 2020.