House advances bill empowering EPA to incentivize diesel emission reduction through grants

© Shutterstock

The House of Representatives advanced legislation Monday known as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), which would empower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to communities to aid the reduction of harmful diesel emissions and improve air quality.

The program has been standard for years, with grants administered on a competitive basis to maximize public health and environmental benefits. A recent EPA report to Congress noted that, since 2008, the DERA program has awarded $629 million and, through them, helped retrofit 67,300 engines, realized $19 billion in public health savings, remove 61,500 tons of carbon monoxide from the atmosphere, saved 454 million gallons of fuel and, through all of this, prevented as many as 2,300 premature deaths.

“Clean air and a clean environment are fundamental rights for every American,” U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said. “No person, no matter their age, race, or zip code, deserves to live with a health condition resulting from poor air quality. For us to realize that goal, we need to work together in an all-hands-on-deck approach to reduce air pollution and improve public health, and today’s vote is an example of just that. DERA creates American jobs, protects our environment, and generates thirty dollars in public health benefits for every dollar spent. It is the very definition of a commonsense, good government program.”

Proponents of the bill, like Matsui, note that H.R. 1768 would enable upgrades to millions of aging diesel engines operating on U.S. waterways, rails, and roads, thereby improving air quality for all. In previous years it has also been a largely bipartisan measure — its last reauthorization faced only one dissenting voice in the Senate and advanced through the House by voice vote.

“I am proud to see this legislation that will improve the air quality at schools, construction sites, highways, rail yards, and ports pass the House today,” U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) said. “This critical legislation incentivizes heavy-duty equipment and vehicle owners to upgrade or replace technologies on their existing diesel vehicles and engines – ultimately resulting in cleaner air and a healthier environment. Through grants and rebates, DERA can help drastically reduce emissions and every dollar of federal assistance generates $5 to $21 in health and economic benefits.”