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New Farm Bill Funds Now Available For Modernizing And Upgrading To Clean Diesel Technology

Currently, two-thirds of all farm equipment is diesel-powered.

Initially, much of the money from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be earmarked for California counties that don't meet federal air quality standards. Later, funds will be allocated to additional states with rural air quality problems.

Farmers can use the money to 1) place new, lower-emitting engines in existing equipment, or 2) replace older equipment with new or newer models.

"These diesel engines are unique because they provide the heavy-duty, reliable power required on farms that other types of engines just can't provide," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Forum. "But because these engines can last decades, there are better and cleaner diesel technologies on the market now that can improve both performance and the environment. This USDA program makes those new technologies more accessible," added Schaeffer. "The public benefits to our air quality will be immediate and substantial."

Qualifying farmers and ranchers are eligible for up to $450,000 per person during the life of the program, which extends through 2007. Funds may cover up to 75 percent of the upgrade costs and, if available, state and/or regional funds could provide the remaining 25 percent of the costs.

The California state office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) this week released a Technical Guide which provides standards and specification for two conservation practices-air management and pumping plant for water control-that are now eligible for EQIP funding.

The Technical Guide draws from California's nationally recognized "Carl Moyer" engine upgrade program. This effort has invested nearly $100 million in incentive grants over the past three years to help lower emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines, a significant portion of them irrigation pumps. As a result, emissions of nitrogen oxides from irrigation pumps have been cut by 1,767 tons annually, at a cost-effective rate of only $2,353 per ton. (Costs lower than about $12,000 are considered reasonable.)

The diesel industry has made tremendous progress on reducing diesel engine emissions in recent years. Today's highway diesel trucks, for example, are eight times lower in emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates than those built just a dozen years ago. And while new engine standards are in place for off-road equipment, these new funds will also provide for clean diesel solutions in the existing equipment. Diesel makers continue to invest heavily in research and development programs to further reduce emissions. These programs include applying clean technologies to existing diesel engines and equipment, as well as producing state-of-the art, low emission engines and fuels.

"In the past century, diesel engines became the workhorse of the American farm and the nation's economy overall, contributing significantly to its efficiency and productivity. Now, powerful, efficient and environmentally advanced diesel engines are driving us forward into the future. We look forward to working with USDA and local farm organizations to put these funds to work," concluded Schaeffer.

Potential participants can obtain EQIP program details by visiting Farm Bill 2002 on http://www.nrcs.usda.gov and following the link to the 2002 Farm Bill Conservation Programs Programs page. Guidelines and applications are available at local NRCS/USDA Service Center offices. View CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL GUIDE 450-VI, TECHNICAL GUIDE NOTICE NO. 54, SUBJECT: Issue New Conservation Standards and Specifications (.pdf 889mb).

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The Diesel Technology Forum represents manufacturers of engines, fuel and emissions control systems. It brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researches to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view to current and future uses of diesel power technology. For more information about the Forum, visit our web site at www.dieselforum.org.