Diesel

• Federal Grant Funding Available for Clean Diesel
• Diesel - Why It's a Problem
• Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative
• Living Diesel video
  Informative and entertaining documentary on diesel, causes and solutions; filmed in Portland, Oregon by Savannah Teller-Brown. About 18 minutes

News

Federal Grant Funding Available for Clean Diesel

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals until December 8, 2009 at 4:00 PM PST for projects that reduce diesel emissions particularly in areas with poor air quality. These can include federally designated nonattainment and maintenance areas like Portland, Medford, Grants Pass, Lakeview, Oakridge, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Eugene and Salem or Class 1 areas like Crater Lake National Park and wilderness areas in the state or any of the 26 counties in the state that exceed Oregon benchmarks for exposure to diesel exhaust.

Eligible diesel emission reduction solutions include verified emission control technologies such as retrofit devices, cleaner fuels, and engine upgrades, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, certified engine repowers, and/or vehicle or equipment replacement.

Eligible diesel vehicles, engines and equipment may include buses, medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives and non-road engines, equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo (including at a port or airport), agriculture, mining or energy production (including stationary generators and pumps).

Eligible entities include regional, State, local or tribal agencies (or intertribal consortia) or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality, and nonprofit organizations or institutions that a) represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets; or b) have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality.

EPA Region X (Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho) is looking for project proposals between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and expects to make 2 to 5 awards. This will be a very competitive process. If you are interested in applying, review the grant announcement materials thoroughly. DEQ is prepared to assist Oregon grant applicants in providing data, reviewing proposals and offering advice on designing a compelling project. Contact Kevin Downing at (503) 229-6549 or by e-mail for more information and assistance.

• EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program - Summary of grant announcement

Diesel - Why It's a Problem

Diesel is the dominant fuel used by the commercial transportation sector. Diesel engines offer fuel economy, power and durability. In the United States approximately 94% of all freight is moved by diesel engines. Diesel engines also power most non-road equipment as used in the construction, agricultural, marine and locomotive sectors.

While the operational advantages of diesel are clear, diesel engines emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and toxic air pollutants. Diesel exhaust contains dozens of toxic substances but one of the leading concerns is the particulate matter which is toxic and very small in size (< 2.5 microns - a typical human hair is 70 microns). The small size makes it highly breathable to the deepest part of the lungs. These ultra-fine particles are also known to attract other toxic substances in the air increasing its toxicity.
 
Increasing studies link diesel particulate matter to serious public health impacts from aggravating asthma to heart and lung problems to cancer and premature mortality. Diesel exhaust also has environmental significance as a global warming contributor. It also adds to visibility impairment and regional haze. Oregonians have an increased risk for these and other health effects at present levels of exposure in everyday life-around 13 times above public health benchmarks. Federal regulations and cleaner fuels are addressing diesel exhaust over time, but existing diesel engines will continue to pollute for another 30 years before they are removed from service.

Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative

To address the concerns of diesel pollution, DEQ formed the Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative, a progressive, non-regulatory approach focused on accelerating the benefits of a clean diesel strategy, including financial assistance (tax credits).  Most recently, the Fleet Forward program has been developed, giving fleets well deserved recognition for taking steps to voluntarily reduce their diesel exhaust.

• Fact Sheet: Burn Cleaner Fuel  PDF

Please see the left navigation bar at the top of this page for more Clean Diesel program links.

Contact information:

• Oregon Clean Diesel Initiative (includes technical assistance). Contact Kevin Downing at 503-229-6549
• Financial Incentives: Shelley Matthews at 503-229-6457
• Fleet Forward program: Kathleen Cochrun at 503-229-6833.