EPA grants: Drop diesel emissions

DALLAS – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Dec. 21 the availability of grant funding to implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. EPA anticipates awarding about $40M in Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) grant funding to eligible applicants in EPA’s Region 6, including Louisiana, subject to the availability of funds. EPA’s Region 4 applicants from Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi may also make proposals requesting up to $2M in grant funds. Supporting projects that upgrade aging diesel engines, EPA is offering financial assistance to improve efficiency and reduce air pollution throughout the nation, according to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Diesel-powered engines move about 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage, and nearly all freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines. (Source: EPA 12/21/18)