WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today joined EPW Ranking Member Tom Carper (D-Del.), EPW Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2019.
This legislation would reauthorize DERA—one of the most cost-effective federal clean air programs—through FY2024 at its current funding levels. The legislation would also ensures equal funding opportunities between both large, metropolitan centers and less populated, rural areas across the country.
“DERA is an example of commonsense, bipartisan legislation that is a win for states and federal governments alike,” Senator Capito said. “This model environmental policy is a carrot—not a stick—that betters air quality in our communities; and it’s a doable, realistic policy that has led to successful results. I’m proud to join my colleagues in addressing emissions in a responsible way.”
“As we explore ways we can work together to clean our air and address climate change while creating jobs, this bipartisan legislation is a great example of how we can do just that,” Senator Carper said. “DERA effectively uses American-made technology to reduce air pollution that harms our lungs and our climate – creating American jobs and a healthier environment. The program is so successful, every dollar invested in DERA generates a 13-fold return in health and economic benefits. This makes DERA a true win-win. Many years ago, I worked with a Republican—my dear friend Senator Voinovich—to get this bill across the finish line, and now it’s not every day that an environmental initiative garners this much support from such a broad range of stakeholders and lawmakers. I thank Senators Inhofe, Barrasso, and Whitehouse for their leadership in continuing this bipartisan tradition. It’s my hope that all of my EPW and Senate colleagues will join us in reauthorizing this important program.”
“The Diesel Emissions Reductions Act allows communities to upgrade vehicles to both improve their efficiency and reduce emissions,” Chairman Barrasso said. “Our bipartisan legislation extends this important program. In Wyoming, these funds have been used by communities to replace aging school buses. This program is a great example of reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions through partnerships, not punishing regulations.”
The DERA program is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and uses federal funding—distributed through grants and rebates—to leverage state and other non-federal funding to finance the voluntary replacement or installation of retrofits on existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. By replacing or upgrading older diesel engines with newer American-made technology, the DERA program will continue to dramatically reduce diesel emissions, which protects public health and creates jobs.
According to the EPA’s latest report, each federal dollar invested in DERA has leveraged as much as $3 from other government agencies, private organizations, industry, and nonprofit organizations. The program has upgraded tens of thousands of vehicles and pieces of equipment, and DERA funds have been awarded to projects in every state in the country. Through FY2016, EPA estimates that total lifetime pollution emission reductions achieved through the DERA program include 15,490 tons of particulate matter; 472,700 tons of NOX; 5 million tons of carbon dioxide; and 11,620 tons of black carbon. The most recent DERA reauthorization passed unanimously in the Senate and by voice vote in the House in 2010.
The text of the bill can be found HERE.
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