Ecology offers grants to reduce harmful diesel pollution

Washington State Department of Ecology

Department of Ecology News Release - May 7, 2008

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Ecology offers grants to reduce harmful diesel pollution

OLYMPIA – Owners of public and private diesel-powered fleets and heavy-duty equipment can apply for some of the $2.5 million in state grants aimed at reducing toxic diesel emissions.

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) provides the grants through the Washington State Clean Diesel Grant Program. The grants reimburse the costs of installing retrofit exhaust emission control and idle reduction technologies on heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment.

Since 2002, the program has helped reduce pollution from more than 7,000 heavy-duty vehicles.

Diesel engines emit a mix of gases and fine particles that include more than 40 cancer-causing substances. Fine particles can be breathed deep into lungs, where they lodge. Short-term exposure to diesel exhaust can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing, labored breathing, chest tightness, and wheezing. Healthy children and adults face more risk of respiratory diseases. People with pre-existing heart disease or circulatory problems are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

“We will evaluate proposals based on their ability to reduce harmful diesel emissions and protect people’s health,” said Rod Tinnemore of Ecology’s Air Quality Program.

Applications will be prioritized in this order:

Public fleets, including cities, counties, municipal associations, public utility districts, port and transit authorities, and state agencies.
Privately owned vehicles and equipment that: (a) provide and maintain public service such as refuse collection, recycling, and utilities, (b) construct public roads and buildings, and (c) operate on port properties or are associated with port activities, such as cargo handling equipment, drayage vehicles that transfer goods and materials, and harbor vessels.
Other privately owned vehicles and equipment that operate mainly within the state of Washington.

Public fleets may receive money for both retrofit exhaust emission control and idle reduction technologies. Private fleets will receive money only for retrofit exhaust emission controls. Grants cannot be used to pay for administrative expenses.

The deadline for priority consideration is June 6, but applications will be accepted while money is still available. Award notices will be sent by e-mail in early July.

Interested applicants should print and complete the application available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/cars/DieselGrantPage.htm. Applications should be mailed to Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, PO Box 47600, Lacey, WA 98504-7600, Attention: Rod Tinnemore, Program Contact.

For information, contact Rod Tinnemore at 360-407-6978 or rtin461@ecy.wa.gov.

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Media Contact: Seth Preston, 360-407-6848; cell 360-584-5744; e-mail spre461@ecy.wa.gov