Grants available for reducing diesel emissions

Key Takeaways

The EPA recently announced funding for the Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA), which aims to reduce emissions from diesel engines. The EPA plans to award $40 million in DERA grants to regional, state, local, tribal agencies or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.

According to EPA, most highway freight trucks, locomotives and commercial marine vessels moving the nation’s freight tonnage are powered by diesel engines. NACo supports funding for DERA grants, which enables state and local governments to make investments that focus on reducing diesel engine emissions to improve air quality.

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RFP for DERA grants, applications due June 5 

First launched in 2008, the DERA program has awarded funds to more than 730 projects nationwide. Many of these projects focus on reducing diesel engine emissions in economically disadvantaged communities with higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease.

The $40 million for DERA grants is expected to fund 20 to 80 projects. The EPA is specifically looking for eligible applicants proposing “projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality.”

In its announcement, the agency stated, “Priority funding will 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.” The application deadline is June 5.