EPA Extends Application Deadline For Clean Diesel Funding To March 26

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The Program is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas.

Eligible fleets include regional, state, local or tribal agencies/consortia or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality and nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or have the promotion of transportation or air quality as their principal purpose. Private companies or other groups that do not fit these categories can apply for this funding through our organization’s application. Contact us for info on how to be included.

Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment include school buses, class 5-8 heavy-duty highway vehicles, locomotive engines, marine engines, or non-road engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo (including at ports or airports), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps).

Projects that have lower or no emissions will receive higher percentages of reimbursement. These include hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles/equipment such as propane autogas or compressed and liquefied natural gas; or zero-tailpipe-emissions technologies such as battery or fuel cell, where applicable. Grant funds may be used for the following projects:

• EPA verified technologies or certified engine configurations

• California Air Resources Board (CARB) EXIT verified technologies or certified engines

• Idle-reduction technologies that are EPA verified

• Aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires that are EPA verified

• Early engine, vehicle, or equipment replacements with certified engine configurations

Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA no later than Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) to be considered for funding.

For more details, visit the

or contact your local Clean Cities coordinator.

(SOURCE: Metrolpolitan Energy Center)