66.039: Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants

66.039

Active

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Sept. 14, 2022

Sept. 14, 2022

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, 42 U.S.C. 16132 et seq., as amended, authorizes EPA to award grants, rebates and loans to eligible entities to fund diesel emissions reductions. Emission reductions are achieved through the implementation of a certified engine configuration, verified retrofit technology, or emerging technology for buses (including school buses), medium heavy-duty or heavy heavy-duty diesel trucks, marine engines, locomotives, or nonroad engines used in construction, handling of cargo (including at port or airport), agriculture, mining, or energy production. In addition, eligible entities may also use funds awarded to reduce long-duration idling using verified idle-reduction technology with certain vehicles or equipment described above. The objective of the assistance under this program is to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and reductions in diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. Projects should also focus on promoting environmental justice (EJ). EJ is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Funding Priorities - Fiscal Year 2021: The National DERA program works to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country through the implementation of various control strategies and involvement of national, state, local and private partners. Priority will be given to projects which achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and exposure, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding may be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage local communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. Poor air quality areas include areas in nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for PM2.5 and Ozone, and areas with toxic air pollutant concerns. In FY2021, projects will be competed and funded under the 2021 DERA National Grants Request for Proposals, and the 2021 DERA Tribal Grants Request for Proposals. Emerging Technologies Program grants and SmartWay Finance Program grants will not be funded in FY2021. The DERA National Grant Program works to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country through the implementation of various control strategies and involvement of national, state, local and private partners. Priority shall be given to projects which achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding may be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage local communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. Poor air quality areas include areas in nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for PM2.5 and Ozone, and areas with toxic air pollutant concerns.

B - Project Grants (Discretionary)

Eligible applicants are: A regional, state, local or tribal agency or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and a nonprofit organization or institution that represents or provides pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets; or has, as its principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality are eligible for assistance under this program. City, county, or municipal agencies, school districts, and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality are all eligible entities under this program to the extent that they fall within the definition above. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.

Owners of eligible diesel powered vehicles and equipment. Both public owned fleets and privately owned fleets may benefit.

66.04

https://sam.gov/fal/77dcc73033de49e797f89c3c120b09a4/view