South Carolina Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grants

Reducing diesel emissions is an important air quality challenge as diesel emissions make up a significant portion of the on-road and off-road mobile source air pollution in S.C. Although more stringent emission standards are taking effect for new heavy-duty on road and non-road engines, the diesel engines currently in use will last a long time and continue to emit large amounts of air pollution for years to come.

The EPA State Clean Diesel Grant Program has provided an opportunity to help reduce diesel emissions under the the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). Through partnerships and in-kind efforts, South Carolina was able to participate in the matching incentive for the 2008 State DERA program and was able to make $246,327 available for a competitive grant process within the state.

The federal funding from the State Clean Diesel Grant Program is used to fund projects that will provide cost-effective diesel emission reduction strategies. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants for implementation of diesel emission reduction projects across the state to achieve public health goals.

NEW! 2009 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants

Regional Funding

A new opportunity for diesel emission reduction projects is available through EPA Region 4. Projects may include engine repowers, replacements, retrofits, idle reduction technology, clean fuels, and other emission reduction measures. This is a competitive grant process with awards ranging from $750,000 to $3 million.

The request for proposals is available on EPA's website. Also, please visit Southeast Diesel Collaborative's website for some project ideas.

State Funding

Additional funding will be available in early February 2010 through the South Carolina DERA program. Information will be posted on this webpage as it becomes available.

2008 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants

The deadline for submitting an application was January 9, 2009. Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2008 South Carolina DERA Grant opportunity. Entities selected to receive funding were Anderson County, Blythewood High School, Greenville County, Hanson Aggregates at four locations, Moran Towing of Charleston, and The University of South Carolina.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Grants

All DERA Grants under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) have been awarded. To learn more about this one-time allocation of funding for diesel emissions reductions, please click here.

Contact Information:

• Adam Page – phone: (803) 898-1423 E-mail
• Brian Barnes – phone: (803) 898-7099 E-mail
• Nelson Roberts – phone: (803) 898-4122 E-mail