EPA to award $40M in diesel emissions reduction grants

Marcia Doyle Headshot
Updated Jan 10, 2019

International HV507

The Environmental Protection Agency will award $40 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding in the current fiscal year. Applications for the grants will be due on March 6, 2019.

“By financially supporting projects that upgrade aging diesel engines, EPA is helping improve their efficiency and reduce air pollution throughout the nation,” says Andrew Wheeler, EPA acting administrator. EPA says that diesel-powered engines move approximately 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage, and nearly all highway trucks, locomotives and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines.

Projects eligible for DERA funds include those that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposures especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality. EPA says it will also give priority 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.

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations are also eligible if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners.

EPA anticipates awarding between 40 and 80 assistance agreements. All applicants must request funding from their regional EPA office.

To request an application go here.