The EPA issued an RFP on April 20 to award $20 million for projects that reduce diesel emissions in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program authorized by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.
The program aims to fund retrofits, clean fuels, engine upgrades, verified idle-reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistant tires, certified engines repowers, and vehicle replacements. School districts are among the eligible entities, which include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, port authorities and non-profit organizations that represent organizations the own and operate diesel fleets, such as NSTA.
A total of $29.952 million is available, but 70 percent, or about $20 million, will be made available through a national competition on a first-come, first-served basis. None of the money is earmarked for school buses. The remaining 30 percent, or about $9 million will be allocated directly to the states.
According to the EPA, the school bus segment has received the largest share of funds from among eligible fleets.
“The school transportation community has been a great partner for EPA’s diesel emissions reduction program,” Jim Blubaugh, deputy director of EPA’s Transportation and Climate Division, told School Transportation News in March. “School bus fleets across the country, both public and private, have retrofitted and replaced older diesel buses, providing a healthier ride for thousands of school children daily. We look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
The RFP closes on June 4 with notification of selected projects expected sometime during July. EPA said it anticipates winners will receive their award amounts in October.
EPA scheduled separate information sessions this week for EPA Region 1, 2, 3 and 4; EPA Region 5, 6 and 7; and EPA Region 8, 9 and 10.
