The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of grant funding to modernize the country’s diesel fleet by retrofitting or replacing vehicles with cleaner, more efficient diesel engines. Through its Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA), EPA anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in grant to eligible applicants.
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. Rep. Ken Calvert stated:
By prioritizing the DERA grant funding in regions that have some of our most complex air quality challenges, the resources being awarded can make a significant impact. I am pleased Congress was able to provide $40 million for these grants and appreciate the efforts of everyone at EPA in making it a success.
EPA is soliciting proposals 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.
Priority for 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.
Under this competition, EPA anticipates awarding between 20 and 80 assistance agreements. Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.
- Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) will accept proposals requesting up to $1,000,000 in grant funds.
- Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,000,000 in grant funds.
- Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
- Region 4 (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,000,000 in grant funds.
- Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) will accept proposals requesting up to $3,000,000 in grant funds.
- Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
- Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) will accept proposals requesting up to $1,500,000 in grant funds.
- Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,400,000 in grant funds.
- Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) will accept proposals requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
- Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) will accept proposals requesting up to $900,000 in grant funds.
Under its DERA program initiated in 2008, EPA has awarded funds to more than 730 projects across the US. Many of these grants funded cleaner diesel engines that operate in ‘economically disadvantaged communities’ whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease.
EPA anticipates releasing a separate Request for Proposals for Tribal applicants during 2018.
