The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated US$125 million to enhance the replacement of older diesel engines with cleaner and zero-emission alternatives, improving community health and environment.
In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than 50% of these selections will boost replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, and drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels.
Florida recipients have been awarded a total of US$9,377,292 to diminish diesel emissions through various initiatives, including the modernization of school buses, port machinery, and construction equipment.
Meanwhile, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed US$125 million in funding under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program. This funding aims to encourage and hasten the replacement or phasing out of aging diesel engines with cleaner, emission-free options, leading to substantial reductions in emissions and advancements in air quality and public health.
The DERA initiative focuses on projects in regions affected by air quality issues, particularly those benefiting disadvantaged communities or areas confronting health or environmental justice challenges.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, that with this new funding, the EPA’s effective DERA program will upgrade these polluting sources and push forward meaningful improvements towards a cleaner, more equitable, and healthier future for all Americans.
