Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program accepting grant applications

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program is offering $1.88 million in grants to support replacement of eligible diesel vehicles and equipment with zero-emission technologies.

Applications are being accepted online through Aug. 24.

The program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, allocates federal DERA funding to Massachusetts recipients.

Cities, towns and other private, public and nonprofit entities with an eligible vehicle, engine or equipment that is operated within Massachusetts at least half the time are eligible to apply.

Eligible diesel powered vehicles and equipment include, but are not limited to, the following:
• School buses of type A, B, C and D
• Class 5+ medium-duty and heavy-duty transit buses
• Class 5-8 medium-duty and heavy-duty highway vehicles
• Category 1, 2, and 3 marine engines and vessels
• Line-haul, passenger and switch engines and locomotives
• Nonroad engines, equipment and vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, agriculture, mining, or energy production, and transport refrigeration units

Applicants must provide contact information, describe the proposed project, identify existing and desired replacement equipment, and upload supporting documents through the online application portal.

The MassDEP seeks to prioritize Environmental Justice communities and includes criteria and evaluation parameters that emphasize equity, diversity and environmental justice in the grant selection process.

Approved projects must be completed by Sept. 30, 2023.

Detailed grant application guidance and requirements are available online. Questions may be sent to cayla.paulding@mass.gov.