The U.S. EPA announced it is accepting proposals to tap into approximately $13.5 million in federal funds for clean-diesel projects. Applications are due June 15 with project awards to be announced this fall.
Eligible projects under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program for fiscal year 2015 include purchasing new school buses, implementing biodiesel and alternative fuels, installing verified emissions control retrofits or idle-reduction technologies, and upgrading engine as verified by EPA or the California Air Resources Board.
Funds can also be used for increasing vehicle aerodynamics, such as by using EPA-verified, low-rolling-resistance tires, to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.
See a Complete List of DERA-Funded Projects Over the Years
While funds are generally only earmarked for Class 5 through 7 vehicles, ranging from city delivery trucks and city transit buses to refuse haulers and sleeper cab trucks, all types of school buses are eligible.
Proposals are due by 4 p.m. EST on June 15 and must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Each one must include a project narrative of no more than 10 pages that provides an overview of the project along with a description of the fleet, a work plan, and an appropriate application for federal assistance and budget information.
Applicants can also provide letters demonstrating cost-sharing commitments from local partners and justification of mandated measures.
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