Biden Harris Administration Announces $125M to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero Emission Solutions that are Better for Our Communities

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $125M to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions that are Better for Our Communities

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $125M to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions that are Better for Our Communities

October 17, 2024

"Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "With the latest round of funding, EPA's successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans."

"For almost 20 years now, the competitive grants administered through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program have taken inefficient and old diesel engines off the road and replaced them with cleaner, American-made technology," said Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Tom Carper. "This $125 million award will help the nation transition to a cleaner economy while also protecting vulnerable communities. This program is a testament to the kind of public-private partnerships that drive environmental and economic progress by reducing air pollution, creating American jobs, and making communities safer and healthier."

In total, EPA has tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and shore power to marine vessels. All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still under processing. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and awards are finalized, EPA will update the DERA National Awards webpage.

Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.

In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:

• Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.
• Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.
• Benefit local communities.
• Incorporate local communities in project planning.
• Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.
• Illustrate preparation for workforce development.
• Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring the DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Read more information on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program.