The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, replacing them with cleaner and zero-emission solutions to improve air quality and public health. The awards are currently in final workplan negotiations with the selected applicants.
"Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment," stated EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. He emphasized that the DERA program would help reduce harmful pollution and contribute to a healthier future for Americans.
Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle added, "By promoting clean diesel technologies, these grants help to update fleets with cleaner equipment and reduce harmful diesel exhaust." She noted that such upgrades would lead to improved health outcomes for residents.
In Florida, selectees have received a total of $9,377,292 for various projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions. These include Drive Clean Colorado's project replacing six Class 6 box trucks and 15 heavy-duty tractors with electric vehicles, Coalition For Sustainable Initiatives Inc.'s replacement of thirty-five terminal tractors and delivery trucks with battery-electric alternatives, Department Of Conservation And Natural Resources' transition from four diesel-powered trucks to battery-electric units, and American Lung Association's efforts replacing several diesel vehicles with zero-emission or cleaner alternatives.
Overall, the EPA has tentatively chosen approximately 70 national DERA projects across different transportation sectors. More than half of these will support zero-emission technology replacements like all-electric school buses and terminal tractors. These initiatives aim to benefit local communities facing environmental justice concerns.
Eligible activities under the program include retrofitting or replacing existing diesel engines with certified configurations and verified technologies. Reducing emissions from legacy diesel engines is crucial as they emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter linked to serious health issues.
Priority for project selection was given to areas with poor air quality, those reducing emissions from ports and goods movement facilities, projects benefiting local communities, incorporating community planning, demonstrating climate impact reduction actions, preparing for workforce development, and continuing emission reduction efforts post-project.
The DERA program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative by prioritizing emissions reductions in affected areas. The goal is for 40 percent of federal investment benefits to reach disadvantaged communities burdened by pollution.
Further details on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program can be found on the EPA website.
