Funding Prioritized for Areas Facing Air Quality Challenges
SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing 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 $44 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant funding to eligible applicants, nationally. EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) will accept proposals requesting up to $4 million per application.
The DERA grant program in the western United States is part of the West Coast Collaborative, which leverages public and private funds and partnerships to reduce emissions from the most polluting diesel sources. The vehicle and equipment upgrades cut emissions of fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide.
“Modernizing our nation’s aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles is an important part of the Trump Administration’s plan to further reduce harmful emissions and guide counties and States from nonattainment, into attainment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Our hope is that through these upgrades and ongoing efforts, communities will continue to see improved health outcomes for their residents, ensuring all Americans breathe cleaner air.”