WASHINGTON (Feb. 25, 2016) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $26 million available nationwide to fund clean diesel projects to reduce emissions from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines.
Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90 percent of the nation's freight tonnage, the EPA said. Nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines, it said.
The EPA said it is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating in areas that the agency has designated as having poor air quality.
The agency will give priority to projects that engage and benefit local communities, as well as applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended, it said.
The EPA said it anticipates issuing between 10 and 40 grants. Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies; port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and non-profit organizations that provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or promote transportation or air quality as their original purpose.
April 26 is the deadline to apply. For more information, click here.