[EPA, 24 April 2018]

The EPA has approved grant funding to reduce diesel emissions by retrofitting or replacing existing vehicles with cleaner and more efficient diesel engines. The Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) provides about $40 million to eligible applicants; this program will end when funds are no longer available. Scott Pruitt, the EPA Administration, stated, “These grants will incentivize improvements to aging diesel fleets and improve air quality throughout the country.” Additionally, these funds will be prioritized for those in areas with “significant air quality issues” and fleets that are focused on transporting goods. Priority is also placed on those projects that support and benefit local communities and those projects/applicants that can show their intention and ability to continue emissions reductions even after the end of the project.