EPA Offers More Than $1 Million in Grants for Emission Reductions From Diesel-Powered Engines

CHICAGO, April 19 -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5's Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative has announced the availability of $1,039,320 in grant monies for projects aimed at protecting public health by reducing diesel emissions in the Midwest.

EPA said it is offering funding for school bus projects and other types of diesel emission-reduction projects. Total funding available for the school bus projects is $464,320 and total funding available for the other diesel emission-reduction projects is $575,000. Proposals are due by June 16, 2006. Announcements, application instructions and more information about the MCDI are at http://www.epa.gov/midwestcleandiesel .

EPA has set stringent standards for new diesel engines and their fuels, including heavy-duty trucks and buses, and non-road equipment such as construction and cargo-handling equipment.

"We created the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative to help reduce emissions from existing engines that don't meet the new standards. Diesel engines are the workhorses of our economy and can last a long time," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We are pleased to announce these grants to help protect public health and the environment."

Diesel exhaust is a significant public health concern. Emissions from diesel-powered engines contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, particulate matter, and air toxics that can cause a number of serious respiratory and other health effects.

MCDI is a voluntary partnership of federal, state and local agencies, along with communities, non-profit organizations and private companies working together to reduce emissions from diesel engines in the Midwest. It is part of EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign that is focused on reducing diesel emissions nationally.