Projects to Reduce Diesel Engine Exhaust Sought for Recovery Grant Funding

Projects to reduce diesel engine exhaust are eligible for Recovery grant funding under a new competitive grant program offered by the Air Quality Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources. Called Reduce Iowa’s Diesel Exhaust (RIDE), applications will be accepted May 14 through June 29, 2009. At least $1.49 million will be awarded to projects.

“Although we hope diesel engine owners will reduce air pollution for the public good, there are operational gains to be considered too,” said Mindy Kralicek, grant manager. “For instance, if the eligible vehicle needs a new muffler, installing a diesel oxidation catalyst solves that problem and will also reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon emissions and fine particle pollution. Idling reduction technologies save fuel as well as cut exhaust.”

Any unit of Iowa state or local government, public or private group or business owner that owns eligible diesel engines is eligible to apply. Entities that organize a sub-grant program for owners of eligible diesel engines are also eligible. Targeted diesel engines are older models of buses; heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks; locomotives, boats and barges, and off-road equipment for agriculture, mining, and construction purposes or for the generation of energy. Complete guidelines and application forms are available at www.iowacleanair.com/RIDE.

The amount of diesel emissions that will be reduced for the money spent is the criterion that will carry the most weight in evaluating projects. Usually, the older the engine, the greater reduction of exhaust can be achieved with the selected strategy. Consideration will also be given to projects that reduce exhaust in areas of concern for fine particle pollution and air toxics, in densely populated areas, and where there is a disproportionate concentration of air pollution from diesel fleets such as rail yards or distribution centers. Projects that contain monetary or in-kind matches are strongly encouraged, although that is not required.

Diesel exhaust contains fine particles, nearly 40 air toxics, and greenhouse gases. When inhaled, the toxics and microscopic particles go deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Particles accumulate in the lungs over time and stop oxygen transfer to the blood. Asthma, bronchitis, difficulty breathing, even cancer and premature deaths can be attributed to unsafe levels of exposure to diesel exhaust.

Federal standards reduce emissions from diesel engines by up to 90 percent for heavy duty vehicles made in 2007 or later. However older, dependable but dirtier diesel engines will continue to give off dangerous exhaust unless individuals and organizations alter them voluntarily.

Funding for the RIDE program was received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which promotes the preservation and/or creation of jobs and economic recovery.