Clean diesel projects reduce early deaths, asthma attacks, other health problems

Chicago, Ill. - In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for the people in Wisconsin, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.73 million to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The funding can be used to support clean diesel projects and loan programs to address the nation's existing fleet of over 11 million diesel engines.

"This Recovery Act funding will provide a great boost to Clean Air investments in Wisconsin," said EPA Acting Region 5 Administrator Bharat Mathur. "This money will help the state to bolster its economy, protect public health and create green jobs that improve air quality."

The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) will go to the state's clean diesel program. Projects eligible for this grant program include retrofit technologies, replacement with new, cleaner diesel vehicles, engine replacement with cleaner engines, and equipment to reduce or eliminate idling for school districts, local governments, businesses and truck owners and operators.

In addition to helping create and retain jobs, the clean diesel projects would reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts every year. It's estimated that the health benefits from diesel emissions reductions outweigh the costs by a ratio of up to 13-to-1.

Under ARRA's state clean diesel funding program, $88.2 million is divided equally through a noncompetitive allocation process, meaning that all 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $1.73 million.

States, local governments, non-profits and tribal agencies can also compete for a portion of $206 million under ARRA's national clean diesel funding program.