State awards $3.38 million to reduce diesel emissions

The Healey-Driscoll administration on March 26 announced $3.38 million in grants to seven entities to purchase electric vehicles or replace outdated diesel-fueled equipment.

The Electric Solicitation grants, funded through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act and administered by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, will help to replace eligible diesel vehicles and equipment with zero-emission technologies.

Electrification reduces air and noise pollution and improves environmental conditions, according to Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. Diesel emissions can cause serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and exacerbate climate change.

“Communities across Massachusetts will see the benefits of these investments for years to come,” Tepper said in a prepared statement.

Grants ranging from $132,242 to $1.28 million were awarded to seven entities, including the towns of Arlington and Brookline.

Visit the MassDEP website for more information about the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program.