The DERA initiative seeks to replace older diesel engines that emit harmful pollutants linked to respiratory diseases, asthma, heart disease, and premature death. Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, highlighted the impact of these investments: “Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment. The DERA program will accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”
The Florida awards include support for electric trucks, terminal tractors, and freight vehicles across the state. These upgrades will help reduce harmful nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, two pollutants known to contribute to serious health problems.
Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle emphasized the importance of these changes: “By promoting clean diesel technologies, these grants help to update fleets with cleaner equipment and reduce harmful diesel exhaust, ensuring all communities breathe cleaner air.”
Florida’s Key Diesel Emissions Projects
Drive Clean Colorado – $3.28 million: Replacing six diesel Class 6 box trucks and 15 heavy-duty diesel tractors with battery-electric vehicles.
Coalition for Sustainable Initiatives Inc. – $2.95 million: Replacing 35 terminal tractors and delivery trucks with electric alternatives.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – $747,000: Upgrading four diesel freight trucks to electric units.
American Lung Association – $2.4 million: Replacing eight terminal tractors with zero-emission models, 14 short-haul freight trucks with cleaner diesel trucks, and three delivery trucks with electric trucks.
National Impact of the DERA Program
In total, the EPA is investing $125 million in approximately 70 projects nationwide, targeting a range of diesel-powered equipment, including school buses, port equipment, and construction machinery. Over half of the selected projects will transition fleets to zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric buses and trucks, benefiting local communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The DERA program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that at least 40% of the benefits from federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities suffering from chronic underinvestment and environmental injustices. The EPA will update its DERA National Awards webpage as the projects finalize their legal and administrative processes.
Legacy Diesel Engines Still a Challenge
Although new diesel engines meet stricter environmental standards, the EPA estimates nearly 8 million older diesel engines are still in operation. These legacy engines continue to emit high levels of pollutants compared to newer models, making their replacement a top priority for air quality improvements. The program allows for the retrofitting, replacement, or upgrade of engines using EPA- and CARB-certified technologies, driving cleaner operations and reducing emissions at ports, schools, and freight facilities.
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