The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of approximately $12.1 million across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This initiative aims to upgrade or retire older diesel engines in favor of cleaner and zero-emission solutions, promising significant reductions in emissions and improvements in air quality and public health.
"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. "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."
Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, added that "the Biden-Harris Administration is once again delivering on its commitments to ensure clear air for all, regardless of zip code or background." He noted that these investments would positively impact current and future communities.
The selected projects include various initiatives:
- The Government of the District of Columbia will receive $3,467,780 to replace several vehicles with Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs).
- The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition will use $689,772 to replace municipal utility vehicles.
- Maryland Environmental Service is allocated $3,474,392 for replacing terminal tractors and forklifts with zero-emission units.
- James Madison University is set to receive $3,500,000 for replacing short-haul combination diesel engines with renewable Compressed Natural Gas trucks.
- The Virginia Port Authority will utilize $972,000 to replace diesel utility tractor rigs with battery electric models.
Overall funding under this initiative supports around 70 national DERA projects totaling $125 million aimed at reducing diesel emissions across various transportation sectors. More than half focus on transitioning older equipment to zero-emission technologies such as electric school buses and drayage trucks.
These projects aim not only at emission reduction but also at benefiting local communities facing environmental justice concerns. Once all legal requirements are fulfilled and selections finalized, updates will be available on the DERA National Awards webpage.
Priority was given to projects in areas with poor air quality or those reducing emissions from ports while benefiting local communities through inclusive planning processes. These efforts align with the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative goal that seeks equitable distribution of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities impacted by pollution.
Reducing emissions from legacy diesel engines remains a crucial challenge due to their higher levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter linked to severe health issues such as asthma and heart disease.
