On January 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. Through the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), EPA is awarding approximately $46 million to eligible applicants. Through the program, EPA anticipates awarding 40 to 70 assistance agreements. EPA is accepting applications through Tuesday, March 16. For further information on the program and how to apply, click here. 

Since 2008, the EPA, through the DERA program, has awarded over 850 grants and 450 rebates across the country. Many of these projects funded cleaner engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease. 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. To view previous DERA grant awardees, click here.

As major owners of the nation’s public road miles and bridges and as environmental stewards, counties support DERA to help counties reduce particulate matter pollution in order to meet federal clean air standards. Owning 45 percent of America’s public road miles and 38 percent of the National Bridge Inventory, counties and our residents are directly affected by emissions from diesel engines. NACo supports DERA and appreciates that Congress included $90 million for Fiscal Year 2021 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.