The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of grant funding for Tribal governments and eligible territories to reduce diesel emissions from older diesel engines. The EPA plans to award approximately $9 million in total DERA funding to eligible applicants.
“EPA is pleased to support the air quality goals of Tribes and territories as they work to improve public health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman.
A total of $8 million will be available to federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native Villages, while $1 million will be allocated to territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Matching funds are not required for eligibility, aiming to expand access to diesel emission reduction projects for Tribes and territories with limited resources. The DERA program has been tailored to meet specific Tribal needs since 2014 and was extended to territories in 2021, enabling them to pursue more impactful projects.
Applications must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov by December 6, at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for funding. The applications for Tribes and territories will be reviewed separately.
Information sessions on this funding opportunity will be hosted by EPA, with webinar links and dial-in information available on the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage.
According to the DERA Fifth Report to Congress, over 73,700 engines, vehicles, or equipment were replaced or retrofitted with cleaner options using DERA funds from 2008 to 2018.
For more details and access to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the Tribal and Territory Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act webpage. General information on the DERA Program can be found on the DERA Program webpage.
