EPA Offers Diesel Engine Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the availability of grant funding to modernize the nation’s diesel fleet, including marine engines, by retrofitting or replacing vehicles with cleaner, more efficient diesel engines. 

The EPA anticipates awarding at least $11 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding. DERA is considered one of the most cost-effective federal programs, averaging more than $13 in health and economic benefits for every $1 in funding.

Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage, and nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines. 

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local and tribal agencies, and port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. The application deadline is June 20, 2017.

Impacts of Diesel Emissions

Human Health - Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. 

Environment - Emissions from diesel engines contribute to the production of ground-level ozone which damages crops, trees and other vegetation. Also produced is acid rain, which affects soil, lakes and streams and enters the human food chain via water, produce, meat and fish.  

Global Climate - Climate change affects air and water quality, weather patterns, sea levels, ecosystems and agriculture. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from diesel engines through improved fuel economy or idle reduction strategies can help address climate change, improve energy security and strengthen the economy.

More information is available here.