PA Receives $1.7 Million Clean Diesel Federal Stimulus Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week has allocated Pennsylvania $1.73 million in federal stimulus funding to support clean diesel projects and loan programs to address the nation's existing fleet of over 11 million diesel engines.

 

"This is how we create new, green jobs while we protect human health and the environment," said EPA Acting Regional Administrator William C. Early. "These cost-effective projects will help Pennsylvania speed its journey to recovery, bolster the economy and create new, green jobs that will improve air quality."

 

The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 will go to Department of Environmental Protection's Diesel Reduction program.

 

Eligible projects include engine idle reduction and retrofit technologies, engine replacement, vehicle replacement, and clean diesel emerging technologies.

 

In addition to helping to create and retain jobs, the clean diesel projects would reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts every year.

 

Under ARRA's state clean diesel funding program, $88.2 million is divided equally through a noncompetitive allocation process, meaning that all 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $1.73 million.

 

States, local governments, non-profits and tribal agencies can also compete for a portion of $206 million under ARRA's national clean diesel funding program.

 

For more information, visit DEP's Diesel Retrofit webpage.  Click here for more information about EPA's clean diesel initiatives.