EPA Offers $50M to Clean Up US Diesel Engines
02 April 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of almost $50 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of diesel engines.
The grants are targeting school or transit buses, medium and heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives and non-road engines. Grant recipients can use a variety of cost-effective emission reduction strategies, such as EPA-verified retrofit and idle-reduction technologies, EPA-certified engine upgrades, vehicle or equipment replacements, cleaner fuels and creation of innovative clean diesel financing programs.
The money was authorized by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and funded for the first time this fiscal year. It will be administered by EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) and its network of seven collaboratives, made up of EPA regional offices and public and private sector partners.
State, local, regional and tribal governments can apply for the grants, as well as non-profits and institutions with transportation, educational services and air quality responsibilities.
There are almost 3 million not so clean diesel trucks, buses, tractors, railroad engines etc in operation in the USA.
This handout will amount to about $16.67 each to upgrade to cleaner engine technology.
Unless the $50 million is strickly for the associated Ad campaign, is there something wrong here. An effective program could cost 500 to 1000 times that much.
Posted by: Harvey D | 02 April 2008 at 02:02 PM
It wouldnt hurt to actually "see" cetane stickers on diesel pumps. Even ones over "45". Under 40 cetane fuel is responsible for clogged intakes, sticking EGRs, MIL/check engine lights, excessive smoke, failed emissions, general disgust. Youd think this would be a priority for so many sectors. All this other stuff is superfluous. Are we really exporting "good" diesel to EU?
Posted by: [email protected] | 02 April 2008 at 02:47 PM
The EPA does need to address the off-road issue. I certainly agree that cetane ratings on all diesel fuel pumps are necessary, and a minimum of at least 42C be established.
Perhaps an incentive to passenger car makers would help sell a few more 50MPG ULSD autos here, and maybe advance some technology.
Posted by: Paul | 03 April 2008 at 12:15 AM
"The grants are targeting school or transit buses..."
These are high priorities for me personally. The small grants may be their way of trying to attract private capital, or at least that would be their excuse. Not a lot of private venture funds get involved with school buses, as far as I know.
Posted by: sjc | 03 April 2008 at 04:09 PM