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EPA Announces More Than $1.3 Million for Clean Diesel Projects in New England States

Release Date: 11/07/2011
Contact Information: Paula Ballentine, 617-918-1027

(Boston, Mass. – Nov. 7, 2011) - The U.S. EPA is awarding over $1.3 million in Clean Diesel funds for projects in all six New England states to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The EPA funds are part of a larger collaborative effort between EPA and New England states to leverage significant resources to reduce diesel emissions, improve public health, and promote clean diesel technology. This year they were able to leverage an additional $381,540 in state funding. 

These grants bring a total of almost $6.2 million in federal funds and $2.3 million in state funds for State Clean Diesel funding to New England since the program’s inception four years ago.  The funding is part of $12.6 million made available this year for State Clean Diesel programs nationwide, and is on top of prior Recovery Act funding of diesel projects.

“I am pleased that all New England states continue to take part in this program and demonstrate their commitment to reducing exposure to diesel exhaust by retrofitting and replacing diesel vehicles throughout the region,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England Office.  “All have worked diligently to improve air quality and reduce emissions.” 

Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to these effects. The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, including a childhood asthma rate above 10 percent in all six New England states.  All six states plan retrofit or replacement projects that cover all transportation categories, from school bus replacements to marine repower and construction engine upgrades. 

In addition to funding for the states, nearly $2 million in FY 2011 funds have been awarded to New England organizations through the National Clean Diesel competitive program.

EPA is working collaboratively with the New England states to reduce emissions of harmful diesel exhaust.  The Northeast Diesel Collaborative, established in 2005, combines the expertise of public and private partners in a coordinated regional initiative to reduce diesel emissions and improve public health in the eight northeastern states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

More Information on the Northeast Diesel Collaborative:
http://www.northeastdiesel.org/

More Information on US EPA’s National Clean Diesel Program:
https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/

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