The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the lookout for proposals for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions both in terms of the tons of pollution produced and diesel emissions exposure.
As part of its National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, the EPA has set aside funding in the region of $64million taking the form of co-operative agreements or grants. Single proposals may target multiple fleets and fleet types or diesel emission reduction solutions.
Eligible diesel emission reduction solutions include retrofit devices, cleaner fuels and engine upgrades, as well as verified idle reduction and aerodynamic technologies, low rolling resistance tyres, certified engine repowers and vehicle or equipment replacement. The vehicles themselves may include buses, marine engines, locomotives, medium- or heavy-duty trucks, construction vehicles, cargo handlers, agricultural vehicles, as well as those used in mining or energy production.
The EPA has targeted reducing emissions from diesel engines as one of its most important challenges. In 2009, diesel emissions from mobile sources alone accounted for approximately 300,000 tons of directly emitted PM2.5 and 6.4million tons of nitrogen oxides.
Now, even with more stringent standards taking effect, millions of diesel engines already in use will continue to emit large amounts of particulate matter which can contribute to serious public health concerns including asthma and lung cancer.
The EPA has set a deadline of December 8, 2009, for receipt of proposals.
