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. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Programme (DERA) grant funding to eligible applicants, subject to the availability of funds.

Eligible projects, according to the EPA, can include the replacement of diesel vehicles/equipment with new, cleaner diesel; hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles/equipment such as Autogas and CNG/LNG, or zero-tailpipe-emissions technologies such as battery or fuel cell.

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.“By financially supporting projects that upgrade aging diesel engines, EPA is helping improve their efficiency and reduce air pollution throughout the nation,” said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

“From our grant programmes to our new Cleaner Trucks Initiative, EPA is taking important steps to help modernise heavy-duty trucks and provide cleaner, more efficient methods of transportation that will protect the environment and keep our economy growing,” he added.

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organisations 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. The deadline to apply is 6 March 2019. For more information, please visit this link.

2 January 2019