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