Awards $556,650 to Help Massachusetts
Two Massachusetts projects have been awarded more than a half-million dollars under a competitive national grant competition to reduce diesel emissions.
The grants, totaling $556,650, were made under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The funding will assist CLF Ventures, Inc., which is receiving $300,000 to repower the Spirit of Boston; and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), which has been awarded $256,650 to repower eight commercial lobster boats.
Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to these effects. The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, including a childhood asthma rate above 10 percent in all six New England states. The two projects awarded fall within areas of Suffolk and Bristol Counties in Mass., both identified by the EPA as having high levels of emissions from diesel engines.
“Reducing diesel emissions is a proven and effective way to improve air quality. Investing in Clean Diesel projects in New England will protect people’s health, improve air quality and help our economy by keeping jobs here in our communities,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England Office. “Reducing diesel emissions means cleaner air for everyone, which is especially important for people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems.”
These grants will cover up to 40 percent of the equipment and labor costs for each of the marine engine repowers and, once completed, together are expected to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an estimated 10.69 tons, 0.48 tons, and 14.8 tons, respectively, in addition to conserving over 1,325 gallons of fuel, annually.
Also learn more about EPAs clean diesel efforts at http://epa.gov/diesel/
Source: EPA
