Additional Resources Save and Share Related Links: The Diesel Emissions Reduction Program – Background Information and Fact Sheet Restoring Air Quality Funding for States and Localities – Background and Fact Sheet

 

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The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act: A Smart Clean Air Investment

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) establishes a voluntary national and state-level grant and loan program to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines through clean diesel retrofits. This program is intended to build on the success of EPA’s Clean School Bus USA program and its Clean Diesel Initiative.  

Clean diesel retrofits deliver up to 90 percent emissions reductions from trucks, school buses, construction equipment and other diesel vehicles.  Retrofitting has proven to be one of the quickest and most cost-effective clean air strategies available for states and localities striving to meet federal clean air standards.

National, Local Support Urged for Retrofit Funding

A diverse, national coalition has requested that Congress expand funding for clean diesel retrofit programs. In letters sent to House and Senate Appropriators, this unique and broad group -- comprised of more than 130 environmental and public health organizations, industry representatives, and state and local government associations -- called for $49.5 million to fund diesel emissions reduction programs, saying the investment "is needed and fiscally responsible."

The EPA estimates that, if DERA is fully funded, it would reduce particulate matter emissions by 70,000 tons, generate nearly $20 billion in economic benefit, and return $13 of benefit for every one dollar invested.