EPA and NYSDEC Provide $1+M for Diesel Retrofits, Hybrid Diesel System for River Patrol Boat

8 October 2008

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have slated more than $1 million to retrofit older diesel engines across the state. New York received more than $600,000 from EPA and has leveraged an additional $413,448 in state funding.

Under this grant, the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA)—a key partner in EPA’s Clean School Bus USA program—will receive $857,705 to retrofit school buses with a combination of innovative clean technologies. Additionally, $175,915 will be awarded to NYSDEC to help purchase hybrid diesel electric marine engines for their new patrol boat used to safeguard the Hudson River.

School districts can request funding and help from NYSERDA, which has helped nearly 90 school districts put pollution controls on more than 3,000 school buses. Using the grant money, NYSERDA will help organizations reduce their diesel emissions by installing diesel oxidation catalysts, closed crankcase filtration systems, diesel particulate filters and by applying idle reduction measures. The NYSDEC will use its grant money to pay for two new hybrid 3.2-liter (250 hp) diesel marine engines with electric drives for their new 36-foot enforcement patrol boat. The clean engines reduce diesel emissions and save 8,000 gallons of fuel per year.

The New York award represents a portion of funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million National Clean Diesel Campaign. The funding, newly available this year, will support grants to help save fuel and lower greenhouse gas and diesel exhaust emissions from the existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines. So far $14.8 million has been awarded across the nation this year under the State Clean Diesel program.