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$5.4 Million Available to Cut Diesel Pollution in Northeast and Caribbean

Release Date: 03/18/2008
Contact Information: Elias Rodriguez (212) 637-3664, [email protected] or Brenda Reyes (787) 977-5869, [email protected]

(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making nearly $5.4 million in grants available for clean diesel projects under the 2008 Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) program to reduce harmful diesel pollution. Projects may include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use; engine repowers; engine upgrades; vehicle or equipment replacement; and the creation of innovative finance programs to fund diesel emissions reduction projects. All projects must benefit the air quality in the geographic areas that include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Vermont; and Tribal lands belonging to the federally recognized Indian tribes in these regions. The deadline for applying is June 12, 2008.

“Reducing the emissions of particle pollution is a crucial component of EPA’s strategy for cleaner air and healthier Americans,” said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. “These funds allow us to complement regulatory efforts, like our new rule to dramatically reduce emissions from diesel powered locomotives and marine engines, announced last week. The Northeast Diesel Collaborative is part of EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign, which includes the grant program announced today and works to clean up diesels that are already on our roads and rails, at our construction sites and in our harbors."

Funding under the NEDC emissions reduction grant program supports projects that significantly reduce tons of diesel pollution produced, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. The program reduces pollution from heavy duty diesel vehicles and equipment that are currently used on the road or off the road, such as for construction or farming. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include but are not limited to: buses; medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines or vehicles used in construction; handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); agriculture; mining; or energy production.

EPA is accepting proposals for funding from regional, state, local or tribal agencies or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Proposals will also be accepted from nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or that have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, cities and counties are all eligible provided that they fall within the definition above.

EPA will host two Question and Answer sessions via teleconference on April 10 from 10:00 am to 12 noon and May 7 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to answer questions and provide additional information about this funding competition. The call-in number for both sessions is: 866-299-3188. Enter Conference Code: 212 637 3745 #.

For more information, including a copy of the Request for Proposals, please visit: http://www.northeastdiesel.org or contact Matt Laurita (212) 637-3895.

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