[USA] “EPA Grants $1.6 Million to Northwest and Alaska Tribal Groups to Reduce Harmful Diesel Emissions”

[EPA, 12 September 2018]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted $1.6 million to three tribal groups in the Northwest and in Alaska; the Lummi and Tulalip Tribes (in Washington state) and the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Alaska. This award will be used to replace old diesel engines and generators thereby reducing the amount of harmful emissions the tribes will be exposed to. This award is provided under the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). DERA works to reduce diesel combustion byproducts (e.g. hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter) by funding retrofit projects, engine replacements, and promotes idle reduction. Chris Hladick, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, stated “Clean diesel technologies not only improve air quality in Indian Country, but advance innovation and support jobs. These projects will significantly reduce harmful emissions and protect public health in tribal communities.” It is interesting to note the contrast between the work of EPA’s DERA to reduce harmful emissions and the EPA top administrators’ efforts to reduce vehicle tailpipe emissions standards.