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EPA Seeks Proposals to Fund New Clean Diesel Projects

Release Date: 05/17/2006
Contact Information: Sheryl Rosner, (617) 918-1865

(Boston - 05/17/06 )EPA is making available nearly $1.5 million to further advance the goals of the Northeast Diesel Collaborative. The Northeast Diesel Collaborative is a partnership of public and private organizations working to reduce diesel pollution and improve air quality in the eight northeastern states.

“Fine particles in diesel exhaust are a serious public health concern for all New Englanders, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments,” said Robert W. Varney, Regional Administrator of EPA’s New England office. “This new funding will help northeastern communities to have cleaner, healthier air. EPA and the Northeast Diesel Collaborative are working to make that black puff of smoke a relic of times past.”

EPA is soliciting proposals from state and local governments, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, environmental organizations, colleges and universities, hospitals and other non-profits interested in establishing innovative projects to reduce diesel emissions in their communities. Projects will be funded in the following four categories: Marine Vessels and Ports, Construction, Locomotives/Rail, or School Buses.

Projects may include, but are not limited to, a variety of diesel emissions reductions strategies such as add-on pollution control technology, engine replacement, idle reduction technologies, or cleaner fuel use. Proposals are due June 29, 2006.

Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms.

The Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) combines the expertise of public and private partners in a coordinated regional initiative to reduce diesel emissions and improve public health in the eight northeastern states. Established in 2005 by regions 1 and 2 of the U.S. EPA, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, the collaborative focuses on reducing emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment that travel the region’s roads, serve the construction industry, and carry both cargo and passengers by water and rail. Projects funded under the 2006 NEDC Emissions Reductions Grant Program will expand regional efforts to reduce public exposure to diesel pollution.

Download the NEDC Emissions Reduction RFP (https://www.epa.gov/ne/eco/diesel/2006nedcrfp.html)

More information on the Northeast Diesel Collaborative: http://www.northeastdiesel.org