EPA’s DERA Program: Grants for Tribal and Insular Area Diesel Emissions Reduction

Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. From transportation to energy generation, the diesel engine powers almost every sector of the American economy. Due to improved EPA diesel engine regulations and emissions standards over the past few decades, engines currently coming off the manufacturing line are now sixty times cleaner than before. However, despite these tighter standards for new engines, the nearly eight million legacy diesel engines already in use continue to emit large amounts of PM2.5 and NOx. These air pollutants contribute to serious public health problems like asthma, lung disease, and various other cardiac and respiratory illnesses, which result in thousands of premature deaths, millions of lost workdays, and numerous other negative health impacts every year in the United States.

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program promotes an array of diesel emissions strategies by working with manufacturers, fleet operators, air quality professionals, environmental and community organizations and state and local officials to address the varying priorities of different regions and sectors. DERA supports environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas receiving disproportionate impacts from diesel fleets to provide an environment where all people enjoy the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards.