Overview:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated over $3.2 million to the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Project, targeting diesel emissions and promoting zero-emission technologies in Michigan.
- This initiative aims to cut diesel emissions from construction, freight, industrial, and port equipment.
- The funding is part of the EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program, which focuses on upgrading or retiring older diesel engines to enhance air quality and public health, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $3.2 million in funding for the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Project, which aims to reduce diesel emissions and promote cleaner, zero-emission technologies in Michigan.
The funding, part of the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program, is aimed at upgrading or retiring older diesel engines to improve air quality and public health, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
The initiative will focus on reducing diesel emissions from various sources, including construction, freight, industrial, and port equipment. Specific projects include replacing a diesel-powered marine tugboat with a cleaner Tier 3 engine, converting nine short-haul trucks to liquefied petroleum gas/propane units, and replacing a range of long-haul trucks with ultra-low sulfur diesel engines.
These upgrades are expected to deliver significant emissions reductions and improve air quality in Southwest Detroit, a region historically impacted by industrial pollution.
“Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still overburdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With this funding, EPA’s DERA program will help reduce harmful pollution and accelerate progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”
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The Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision Project is one of approximately 70 national projects selected under the DERA program to reduce diesel emissions. Over half of the selected projects will focus on replacing older equipment with zero-emission technologies, such as electric school buses and shore power for marine vessels.
These initiatives are aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities.
The EPA prioritized projects in areas with poor air quality, those that benefit local communities, and initiatives involving community planning and workforce development. Additional awards are pending final approval, and the EPA will update its DERA National Awards webpage as new selections are finalized.