Your Diesel Truck’s Days Are Numbered—Here’s Why Florida Is Switching to Electric

Photo byNetze BWonUnsplash

Florida projects among $125 million in national funding to promote cleaner, zero-emission technologies and improve air quality.*

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s push for cleaner air, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Florida organizations will receive $9.37 million in grants to replace aging diesel-powered vehicles and equipment with cleaner, zero-emission solutions. The funding comes through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) and will contribute to improved public health and air quality, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Cleaner Fleets, Healthier Communities

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.

Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind Publications

• Michigan Stories - Unveiling the people, places, and events that make the Great Lake State unique, we'll explore hidden gems and must-do activities.
• Weird Political News - A sarcastic and insightful take on official news released by government sources, Political Action Committees and Public Officials from all over the US. All stories are true and sourced.
• Great Lakes Food & Fun - Michigan & Great Lakes Cuisine, Farm to Table, Local Recipes, & Places to Meet and Eat.

Your Turn - Like This, or Hate it - We Want to Hear From You

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Consider sharing this story. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.