The U.S. EPA has announced the first awards from its $50 million
Diesel Emission Reduction Program, distributing $3.4 million among three organizations.
The funds, to help small trucking firms lower fuel costs and reduce emissions, are going to Community Development Transportation Lending Services in Washington, D.C.; Oregon's Cascade Sierra Solutions; and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association in Missouri.
Cascade Sierra Solutions has performed emission-reduction services on 1,500 diesel engines since forming in 2006, and expects the $1.13 million grant and additional funds to help install idle reduction technologies on 1,700 trucks.
The Diesel Emission Reduction Program is aimed at the 11 million diesel engine trucks in the United States. The grants for improving truck technologies could save truckers an estimated $72 million in fuel costs a year, according to the EPA.
As part of its $50 million program, the EPA will give $14.8 million to develop State Clean Diesel programs in all 50 states, with 35 states putting up matching funds. Also, $27.6 million will go to the EPA's 10 regional offices, and the EPA will funnel an additional $3.4 million to grant awards for emerging technologies, to be announced this winter.
