Update on the EPA Funded Clean-Air Grants

The Environmental Protection Agency has begun their $5.6 million roll out of funds in their National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC). Grants are being awarded to help industries, manufacturers, state and local officials, and community organizations replace old equipment and retrofit engines that reduce diesel emissions. The "EPA estimates that every $1 spent on clean diesel projects produces up to $13 of public health benefits."



Diesel exhaust has been linked to many health and environmental concerns; even quite a few deaths. Heart disease, asthma, lung disease, and allergies can all be worsened by these pollutants. The elderly, those with compromised immune systems, children, and those who work in the industry are at the highest risk.



Particulate matter, such as soot, hydrocarbons, air toxins, smog and acid rain are some of the problems created by old fleet equipment. These things can be damaging to humans, plants, animals, and the environment. Air quality diminishes as nitrogen oxides are pumped into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emissions from old diesel engines could cause climate changes that would lead to crippled ecosystems, a change in weather patterns, and many other global compromises.



These concerns have fueled the EPA and pushed them to quickly take action. Their strategy is to not only replace or retrofit old engines with the equipment needed to burn cleaner fuels, but also to support and fund the testing of emerging technologies that will help put the latest in innovative approaches quickly into practice.



The National Clean Diesel Campaign grant money has already helped many communities to reduce emissions and improve their air quality. The ocean shipping industry is also benefiting from the assistance and research that is being provided by the EPA. International shipping companies have voluntarily taken the initiative to follow the recommendations of the EPA, reducing diesel emissions at maritime ports.



The EPA has partnered with the American Association of Port Authorities, as well as many individual ports, to develop strategies and incentives to improve the environmental performance of US ports. Many recommendations and changes have already been put into practice, including lessening idle time, reduced speeds at sea, and altering ocean freight handling procedures.



"EPA is promoting innovations that will not only create jobs, but also keep dangerous pollution out of the air we breathe," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We’re playing to America’s strengths of ingenuity and invention to improve the future of our economy, our health and our environment."



More information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel