The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the American Lung Association will receive a grant of $2,418,202 under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This funding aims to promote the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines, replacing them with cleaner and zero-emission solutions. The initiative is expected to lead to significant reductions in emissions, benefiting air quality and public health.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of clean air for all communities: “Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment.” He added that this round of funding would help accelerate progress towards a healthier future.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance highlighted the benefits of DERA grants: “DERA grants improve air quality for everyone, and especially for workers and other people who are directly exposed to harmful fumes from diesel vehicles.”
The grant will enable the American Lung Association to replace several types of diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission or low-emission alternatives. These replacements include one terminal tractor, four refuse haulers with electric models, six refuse haulers with low nitrogen oxide compressed natural gas models, and nine short-haul freight trucks with newer clean diesel models.
Nationwide, approximately 70 national DERA projects have been selected to reduce diesel emissions across various transportation sectors. These projects include engine replacements and upgrades for school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. Over half of these selections involve replacing older equipment with zero-emission technologies.
Eligible activities under the DERA program include retrofitting or replacing existing diesel engines with certified configurations that meet EPA and California Air Resources Board standards. Addressing emissions from legacy diesel engines remains a critical challenge due to their higher levels of harmful pollutants compared to newer models.
The EPA is committed to ensuring that the DERA Program supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative by directing 40% of certain federal investment benefits towards disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
