More than $5.1 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act funds have been granted to organizations to aid in diesel emissions reductions in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Midwest region, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The funds are part of $64 million allocated nationwide this fiscal year through DERA’s grant program.
OOIDA of Grain Valley, Mo., has been selected to receive a $1 million grant to implement a project costing more than $2.3 million. Through the project, approximately 300 emission-cutting auxiliary power units will be installed in long-haul diesel trucks operating in EPA Regions 6 and 7, which includes states from Iowa to Texas.
Through the grant program, the EPA provides support for retrofits, engine upgrades, vehicle replacements, idle reduction, cleaner fuels and financing for clean technologies for trucks and buses, and non-road equipment. Overall, the improvements funded by these grants consist of EPA-verified and certified technologies to assist in the reduction of diesel emissions.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been selected to receive more than $1.8 million in federal funds with a state cost share of $382,425. This grant will aid in improvements to school buses, trash trucks and concrete mixers.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been selected to receive $233,218 to assist with school bus upgrades and the installation of three APUs on long-haul trucks in Wichita, Kan. The grant, paired with $45,394 in state matching funds, will also allow APUs to be installed in five in-town trucks.
Learn more about the National Clean Diesel Program at www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/.