The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal and Territory Grants, aiming to reduce diesel emissions from legacy engines. Approximately $9 million is available: $8 million for Tribal governments and $1 million for territories. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Tribal governments, intertribal consortia, and agencies from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The program prioritizes projects based on public health benefits, cost-effectiveness, and the needs of disadvantaged communities, particularly those facing poor air quality. Projects eligible for funding may involve retrofitting or replacing diesel engines, utilizing a range of certified technologies to achieve emission reductions.
Applicants can submit two separate applications, with funding requests not exceeding $800,000 for Tribal entities and $400,000 for territorial agencies. The application deadline is December 6, 2024, and selected projects will receive funding starting June 2025. This initiative aligns with the EPA’s strategic goals to combat climate change and protect public health, highlighting its commitment towards sustainable environmental practices.
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides a structured reporting template for recipients of federal and state funding aimed at reducing diesel emissions. This document outlines the requirements for the Fleet Description and Infrastructure sections within the reporting workbook. Key areas include. details on current and new vehicle and engine information, including specifications such as make, model, horsepower, and fuel type. It mandates quarterly updates on vehicle upgrades and activity, alongside annual fuel consumption data.
Additionally, the infrastructure segment covers the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and shore power systems, emphasizing compliance with Build America, Buy America (BABA) standards for any funded infrastructure projects. Recipients must document installation work, equipment costs, federal funding allocation, and any compliance waivers. The overarching goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective tracking of emissions reduction efforts through systematic reporting. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to promoting cleaner air through enhanced diesel technology and infrastructure improvements.
The 2024 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal and Territory Grants document outlines priority areas for funding vehicle and equipment reductions in diesel emissions, specifically targeting counties classified as Nonattainment or Maintenance Areas for air quality standards. To be eligible for points during funding assessments, vehicles or equipment must operate predominantly within these designated areas identified by the EPA's Green Book. The document lists numerous counties across various states, detailing their classification under standards related to particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone levels (O3). This initiative aligns with federal grant efforts to enhance air quality while promoting sustainable transportation solutions, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental health and regulatory compliance at federal, state, and local government levels.