US EPA announces $11 million in 2017 DERA grant funding

26 April 2017

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $11 million in competitive grant funding for the Diesel Emissions Reductions Act (DERA) Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The EPA has issued a request for proposals (RFP) 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 as poor air quality areas.

Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment include:

• School buses
• Class 5 – Class 8 heavy-duty highway vehicles
• Locomotive engines
• Marine engines
• Nonroad 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).

Grant funds may be used for clean diesel projects including:

• EPA verified retrofit technologies or certified engine configurations
• California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified retrofit 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

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.

Between 20 and 80 awards are anticipated to be made under this RFP. Proposals must be submitted no later than June 20, 2017.

Source: US EPA