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Diesel Technology Forum Lauds Congressional Support to Fund Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA)

DERA Considered Most Cost-Effective Program Affecting Greatest Number of Americans
 
WASHINGTON – The Diesel Technology Forum (the Forum), a non-profit organization representing companies across the diesel industry, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committee for approving $50 million for the Diesel Emission Reduction Program; $15 million above the President’s request.

Because of their efficiency and durability, diesel engines are the workhorse of the U.S. economy and play a critical role in transportation, agriculture, construction, mining and other key industry segments. Since diesel engines often last hundreds of thousands of miles or run for hundreds of thousands of hours, retrofitting older but valuable vehicles and equipment with many remaining years of operation can significantly improve air quality for the benefit of all citizens.

Diesel retrofits are one of the most cost effective means to reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions and as a result, DERA is considered to be one of the most fiscally responsible programs with some of the highest cost-benefit ratios of any federal initiative.

“These funds will offer significant benefits to counties across the nation struggling to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions,” said Allen Schaeffer, the Forum’s Executive Director.

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Program was established in the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) and incorporated within the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to promote voluntary retrofit programs at both the national and state level. Under the program, EPA would distribute 70 percent of the funds through a competitive grant system that would favor the most cost-effective programs affecting the greatest number of Americans. The remaining 30 percent of the funds would be dedicated as matching funds for states to create or enhance their own retrofit programs – further leveraging the dollars Congress appropriates. Because of the ability for states to receive matching federal funds, DERA may leverage as much as $500 million more from other sources of diesel retrofit.

The DERA is supported by a unique national coalition more than 150 environmental and public health organizations, industry representatives, and state and local government associations including the American Lung Association, Caterpillar, Cummins, Diesel Technology Forum, Environmental Defense, National Association of Clean Air Agencies, National School Transportation Association and Union of Concerned Scientists. Together, they have urged Congress to expand funding for clean diesel retrofit programs for a cleaner tomorrow.

In June the House of Representatives approved $50 million for DERA; $15 million above the President’s request. The Senate Appropriations Committee also approved $50 million for DERA along with another $15 million for additional emission reduction grant projects in the San Joaquin Valley and South Coast Air Quality Management Districts of California.

DTF also applauds the House of Representatives and Senate Appropriations Committee for restoring funding for state and local air quality grants to FY06 levels. These grants play a critical role in helping states maintain air quality monitoring, planning and public education.