$26 Million Available to Clean Up Diesel Engine Fleets

In its ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines, the EPA has announced the availability of $26 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects for fleets across the US.

Diesel-powered engines move some 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage, and nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines.

To lower emissions, the EPA is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating in areas designated as having poor air quality. The agency says it will give priority for funding to projects that engage and benefit local communities and applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. Applications are due April 26.

The EPA anticipates awarding between 10 and 40 awards. The top and bottom funding limits that will be considered for each proposal varies by region:

• Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont): proposals between $100,000 and $800,000.
• Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands): proposals between $500,000 and $1,800,000.
• Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia): proposals between $750,000 and $2,700,000.
• Region 4 (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee EPA is requesting proposals between): proposals between $300,000 and $1,900,000.
• Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin): proposals between $500,000 and $2,500,000.
• Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas): proposals between $400,000 and $2,700,000.
• Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska): proposals between $300,000 and $1,500,000.
• Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming): proposals between $300,000 and $1,500,000.
• Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands): proposals between $500,000 and $4,400,000.
• Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington): proposals between $300,000 and $800,000.