EPA announces availability of $4.4 million in DERA grants for several states and the Pacific Islands

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting proposals for $4.4 million worth of Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program grants available to applicants located in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

The agency is looking for projects that will reduce emissions and exposure from diesel engine fleets, especially those working in areas with poor air quality. The grants are open to organizations with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality, whether than be port authorities or regional, state, local or tribal agencies. The EPA is also accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations if they are targeted at reducing pollution or providing environmental education to those operating diesel fleets, or if the main body of their work is promoting air quality or transportation.

While diesel engines are responsible for moving approximately 90 percent of America’s freight, older models have high emission rates. The DERA program has awarded more than 700 grants since its inception in 2008, many going to disadvantaged communities with poor air quality, where residents have higher-than-average rates of asthma and heart and lung disease.

The EPA is accepting grant proposals until April 26, and the agency expects to release a Request for Proposals specifically for tribal applicants in March.