EPA TO MAKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR CLEAN DIESEL EFFORTS!

The Blue Skyways Collaborative is pleased to inform you that for fiscal year 2008, Congress appropriated funds for the first time under the Energy Policy Act to help reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award grants to assist eligible entities in conducting diesel emission reduction efforts that improve air quality and protect public health. For fiscal year 2008, the amount of funding available for clean diesel efforts nationally is about $49 million. This funding replaces and combines Clean School Bus and National Clean Diesel Campaign [NCDC] funding EPA has made available in previous years.

Funds will be awarded under a Federal Clean Diesel Program, a State Program, an Emerging Technologies Program and a Clean Diesel Financing program. Under the Federal Clean Diesel program, Blue Skyways is anticipated to receive and announce a funding competition for about $4-4.5 million.

Visit the blue skyways website, www.blueskyways.org, for information on these clean diesel programs, anticipated program funding timelines and expected funding amounts. Opportunities for apply for the new funding are expected to be formally announced in mid-March, so please begin to consider project proposals ASAP!

Eligible entities are regional, state, local, tribal or port agencies with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality; and nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that operate diesel fleets; or has as its principle purpose the promotion of transportation or air quality.

For more information, documents and legislation, visit the Blue Skyways website at: www.blueskyways.org. Questions? Contact Gloria Vaughn, Outreach Subcommittee, 214-665-7535 vaughn.gloria@epa.gov.