National Clean Diesel Emissions Reduction Program

 

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, 42 U.S.C. 16132 et seq., as amended, authorizes EPA to award grants, rebates and loans to eligible entities to fund diesel emissions reductions. Emission reductions are achieved through the implementation of a certified engine configuration, verified retrofit technology, or emerging technology for buses (including school buses), medium heavy-duty or heavy heavy-duty diesel trucks, marine engines, locomotives, or nonroad engines used in construction, handling of cargo (including at port or airport), agriculture, mining, or energy production. In addition, eligible entities may also use funds awarded to reduce long-duration idling using verified idle-reduction technology with certain vehicles or equipment described above. The objective of the assistance under this program is to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and reductions in diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. Projects should also focus on promoting environmental justice (EJ). EJ is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Funding Priorities - Fiscal Year 2019: The National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program works to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country through the implementation of various control strategies and involvement of national, state, local and private partners. Priority shall be given to projects which achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding may be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage local communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. Poor air quality areas include areas in nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for PM2.5 and Ozone, and areas with toxic air pollutant concerns. In FY 2019, projects will be competed and funded under the Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2019 Request for Proposals, and the Tribal Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program FY 2019 Request for Proposals. Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Program grants and SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program grants will not be funded in FY2019. Funding Priorities - Fiscal Year 2020: The DERA National Grant Program works to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country through the implementation of various control strategies and involvement of national, state, local and private partners. Priority shall be given to projects which achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding may be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage local communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. Poor air quality areas include areas in nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for PM2.5 and Ozone, and areas with toxic air pollutant concerns. In FY 2019, projects will be competed and funded under the DERA National Grant Program FY 2020 Request for Applications and the DERA Tribal Grant Program FY 2020 Request for Applications.

General information about this opportunity
Last Known Status
Active
Program Number
66.039
Federal Agency/Office
Environmental Protection Agency
Type(s) of Assistance Offered
B - Project Grants
Program Accomplishments
Fiscal Year 2016 For a list of awarded grants, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants and www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-tribal-grants. For a list of awarded grants, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants and www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-tribal-grants.
Fiscal Year 2017 For a list of awarded grants, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants and www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-tribal-grants
Fiscal Year 2018 For a list of awarded grants, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants and www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-tribal-grants.
Authorization
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, 42 U.S.C. 16132
Who is eligible to apply/benefit from this assistance?
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are: A regional, state, local or tribal agency or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and a nonprofit organization or institution that represents or provides pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets; or has, as its principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality are eligible for assistance under this program. City, county, or municipal agencies, school districts, and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality are all eligible entities under this program to the extent that they fall within the definition above. For certain competitive funding opportunities under this assistance listing, the Agency may limit eligibility to compete to a number or subset of eligible applicants consistent with the Agency's Assistance Agreement Competition Policy.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Owners of eligible diesel powered vehicles and equipment. Both public owned fleets and privately owned fleets may benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants may be requested to demonstrate they have appropriate background, academic training, experience in the field, and necessary equipment to carry out projects.
What is the process for applying and being award this assistance?
Pre-Application Procedure
Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Regarding pre-application/pre-proposal assistance with respect to competitive funding opportunities under this program description, EPA will generally specify the nature of the pre-application/pre-proposal assistance, if any, that will be available to applicants in the competitive announcement. For additional information, contact the individual(s) listed in the competitive announcement.
Application Procedure
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Applicants, except in limited circumstances approved by the Agency, must submit all initial applications for funding through https://www.grants.gov.
Award Procedure
For competitive awards, EPA will review and evaluate applications, proposals, and/or submissions in accordance with the terms, conditions, and criteria stated in the competitive announcement. Competitions will be conducted in accordance with EPA policies/regulations for competing assistance agreements
Deadlines
Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines
Approval/Disapproval Decision Time
From 120 to 180 days. Approximately 180 days after the request for applications.
Appeals
Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures published in 70 FR (Federal Register) 3629, 3630 (January 26, 2005). Copies of these procedures may also be requested by contacting the individual(s) listed as "Information Contacts." Disputes relating to matters other than the competitive selection of recipients will be resolved under 2 CFR 1500 Subpart E, as applicable.
Renewals
Generally, EPA fully funds assistance agreements under this program.
How are proposals selected?
The evaluation and selection criteria for competitive awards under this assistance listing will be described in the competitive announcement.
How may assistance be used?
Assistance agreements are available to support recipient's allowable costs incident to supporting projects to reduce emissions from diesel engines, plus allowable indirect costs, in accordance with established EPA policies and regulations. Funds must be used for projects involving EPA-verified and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB) verified diesel emissions reduction technologies and/or EPA or CARB certified engines. No funds provided under this section shall be used to fund the costs of emissions reductions that are mandated under Federal law. Voluntary or elective emission reduction measures shall not be considered "mandated", regardless of whether the reductions are included in the state implementation plan of a state. Additional project eligibility and use restrictions are defined in program guidance.
What are the requirements after being awarded this opportunity?
Reporting
Performance Reports: Grantees are required to perform performance monitoring in accordance with Agency policy and requirements stated in the Uniform Grants Guidance 2 CFR 200.
Auditing
Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspections and audits by the Comptroller General of the United States, the EPA Office of Inspector General, other EPA staff, or any authorized representative of the Federal government. Reviews by the EPA Project Officer and the Grants Specialist may occur each year.
Records
Recipients must keep financial records, including all documents supporting entries in accounting records and to substantiate changes in grants available to personnel authorized to examine EPA recipient grants and cooperative agreement records. Recipients must maintain all records until 3 years from the date of submission of the final expenditure reports. If questions, such as those raised as a result of an audit remain following the 3-year period, recipients must retain records until the matter is completely resolved.
Other Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. There is no statutory requirement for a matching contribution from applicants. However, FY2019 programmatic policy requires a mandatory match for certain types of projects (engine upgrades, idle reduction technologies, engine replacements, vehicle/equipment replacements, and alternative fuel conversions). Applicants may use their own funds or other sources for cost-share if the standards of 2 CFR Part 200, as applicable, are met. If the proposed cost-share is to be provided by a named project partner, a letter of commitment is required. Other federal grants may not be used as cost-share under this program unless the statute authorizing the other federal funding provides that the federal funds may be used to meet a cost-share requirement on a federal grant. Projects involving engine upgrades, idle reduction technologies, marine shore connection systems, electrification parking space technologies, engine replacements, vehicle/equipment replacements, and alternative fuel conversions are subject to the following funding limitations and mandatory cost-share requirements: • Engine Upgrades and Remanufacture Systems: EPA will fund up to 40% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible engine upgrade or remanufacture system (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 60% of the cost). • Highway Idle Reduction Technologies: EPA will fund up to 25% of the cost (labor and equipment) of eligible idle reduction technologies on long-haul trucks and school buses without verified engine retrofits (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 75% of the cost). • Locomotive Idle Reduction Technologies: EPA will fund up to 40% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible idle reduction technology on a locomotive (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 60% of the cost). • Marine Shore Connection Systems: EPA will fund up to 25% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible marine shore connection system (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 70% of the cost). • Electrified Parking Space Technologies: EPA will fund up to 30% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible electrified parking space technology (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 70% of the cost). • Engine Replacement: EPA will fund up to 40% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible engine replacement with an engine certified to EPA emission standards (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 60% of the cost). EPA will fund up to 50% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible engine replacement with an engine certified to CARB’s Optional Low-NOx Standards (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost sharing at least 50% of the cost). EPA will fund up to 60% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible engine replacement with an electric motor or electric power source (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost sharing at least 40% of the cost). • Vehicle/Equipment Replacement • Locomotive and Nonroad Diesel Vehicles and Equipment: EPA will fund up to 25% of the cost of an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment powered by an engine certified to EPA emission standards (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 75% of the cost). EPA will fund up to 45% of the cost of an eligible all-electric vehicle or piece of equipment (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 55% of the cost). •Highway Diesel Vehicles: EPA will fund up to 25% of the cost of an eligible vehicle powered by an engine certified to EPA emission standards (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 75% of the cost). EPA will fund up to 35% of an eligible vehicle powered by an engine certified to meet CARB’s Optional Low-NOx Standards (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 65% of the cost). EPA will fund up to 45% of the cost of an eligible all-electric vehicle (i.e. applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 55% of the cost). • Drayage Vehicle Replacement: EPA will fund up to 50% of the cost of an eligible drayage truck powered by a 2012 model year or newer certified engine (i.e., applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 50% of the cost). • Clean Alternative Fuel Conversion: EPA will fund up to 40% of the cost (labor and equipment) of an eligible certified or compliant clean alternative fuel conversion (i.e., applicants are responsible for cost-sharing at least 60% of the cost).

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The assistance agreements funded under the DERA National Grant Program typically have a two-year project period with the possibility for extension up to a five-year project period. Assistance agreements may be fully or partially funded. Cash is dispersed to recipients on an as needed basis.
Who do I contact about this opportunity?
Regional or Local Office
EPA encourages potential applicants to communicate with the appropriate EPA Regional Office listed in the competitive announcement.
Headquarters Office
Jennifer Keller
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code: 6405J
Washington, DC 20460 US
keller.jennifer@epa.gov
Phone: (202) 343-9541
Website Address
https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0103-0-1-304
Obligations
(Project Grants) FY 18$43,300,000.00; FY 19 est $50,800,000.00; FY 20 est $7,000,000.00; FY 17$34,000,000.00; FY 16$35,000,000.00; -
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Smaller grants typically range from $100,000 - $300,000 with an average award of $125,000. Larger grants typically range from $500,000 - $2 million with an average award of $650,000. Recovery Act Funding awarded under the National Clean Diesel Emissions Reduction Program totaled $205,800,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Diesel Emissions Reduction program assistance agreements are subject to the Uniform Grants Guidance 2 CFR 200, as applicable.
Examples of Funded Projects
Fiscal Year 2016 Projects include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as: add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use; engine repowers; engine upgrades; and/or vehicle or equipment replacement. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses (including school buses); Class 5 Class 8 heavy-duty diesel trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary engines such as generators or pumps). Projects include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as: add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use; engine replacement; engine upgrades; and vehicle or equipment replacement. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses (including school buses); Class 5 Class 8 heavy-duty diesel trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and non-road engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary engines such as generators or pumps).
Fiscal Year 2017 Projects include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as: add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use; engine replacement; engine upgrades; vehicle or equipment replacement, and alternative fuel conversions. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses (including school buses); Class 5 Class 8 heavy-duty diesel trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary engines such as generators or pumps).
Fiscal Year 2018 Projects include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as: add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuels and additives; engine replacement; engine upgrades and remanufacture systems; vehicle or equipment replacement, and alternative fuel conversions. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses (including school buses); Class 5-Class 8 heavy-duty diesel trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary engines such as generators or pumps).
Fiscal Year 2019 Projects include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as: add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuels and additives; engine replacement; engine upgrades and remanufacture systems; vehicle or equipment replacement, and alternative fuel conversions. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include: buses (including school buses); Class 5-Class 8 heavy-duty diesel trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and non-road engines or vehicles used in: i) construction; ii) handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); iii) agriculture; iv) mining; or v) energy production (including stationary engines such as generators or pumps).

 


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