Grant funding available to reduce diesel engine emissions

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Businesses, governments, universities, or private organizations can apply for federal grants to replace or upgrade older diesel engines as part of an effort to reduce diesel emissions in South Carolina.

The Environmental Protection Agency is offering about $267,000 in grants for distribution in South Carolina under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

DHEC says diesel emissions make up a significant portion of air pollution caused by mobile sources in South Carolina.

Grants are awarded to eligible applicants for diesel emission reduction projects that achieve public health air quality goals. Eligible projects should be cost-effective plans to reduce emissions through engine repowers, equipment replacements, or equipment or exhaust retrofits. Depending on the type of project, the EPA will share 25% to 100% of the costs.

Previous DERA grant allocations were used to replace school buses, retrofit emergency response vehicles and repower a marine vessel.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Dec. 13 for primary consideration. Applications submitted after that date will be considered based on funding availability.