The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $125 million in selections under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines, promoting cleaner and zero-emission solutions. The program targets areas impacted by air quality issues, particularly those benefiting disadvantaged communities facing public health or environmental justice challenges.
"Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "With the latest round of funding, EPA's successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans."
The Connecticut Maritime Foundation, Inc., one of the selected projects, will receive $1,999,953 to replace outdated propulsion and auxiliary generator set engines on a tugboat operating in New Haven, Connecticut; Providence, Rhode Island; and Charlestown, Massachusetts ports. These replacements with higher-tier engines aim to reduce emissions significantly.
EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash stated: "Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA is tackling air pollution through innovative technologies, making a difference in everyday people's lives, especially for those living in areas overburdened by pollution."
Overall, approximately 70 national projects have been tentatively selected under the DERA program. These include engine replacements and upgrades across various transportation sectors such as school buses and port equipment. More than half of these projects focus on replacing older equipment with zero-emission technologies like electric school buses and drayage trucks.
Eligible activities involve retrofitting or replacing existing diesel engines with certified configurations that meet strict emission standards. Despite advancements in new diesel engine technology, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines remain operational nationwide.
In awarding grants under this program, priority was given to projects located in areas with poor air quality that benefit local communities while incorporating them into project planning efforts.
The DERA initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative by ensuring that 40% of benefits from federal investments reach disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
