SCAQMD Calls for Continuation of Federal Funding to Replace Dirty Diesel Trucks and Equipment
Southland air quality officials applauded the
EPA announced the funding through its Diesel Emission Reduction Program (DERA) to modernize diesel fleets by retrofitting vehicles with cleaner, more efficient diesel engines. However, funding for DERA -- a program with strong bipartisan support -- has been eliminated in the
"The federal government's DERA funding has been extremely helpful in replacing older, dirty diesel trucks in
Heavy-duty (aka "big-rig") trucks are the No. 1 source of smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions in the Southland. In addition, diesel emissions from trucks and other sources are responsible for more than two-thirds of the total cancer risk from air pollution. Diesel pollution also disproportionately impacts low-income, environmental justice communities.
SCAQMD's recently adopted 2016 Air Quality Management Plan calls for a 45 percent further reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions in order to meet a 2023 deadline for achieving a national air quality standard for ground-level ozone. A stricter ozone standard will require a 55 percent reduction by 2031.
"Achieving these reductions, especially in such a short timeframe, will require additional regulations but also significant financial incentives to help truck owners transition to cleaner trucks," Nastri said. "This is why programs such as DERA are so important to improving air quality and public health in our region."
Since DERA's inception in 2008, EPA has awarded nearly 690 grants across the nation. Many of these projects fund cleaner diesel engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities, where residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease.
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