EPA offers $9 million in clean diesel funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. EPA is offering about $9 million in grant funding to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, including school buses.

The agency is now soliciting proposals for the 2014 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, which is funded by the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The program provides grants to retrofit or replace older diesel vehicles to reduce emissions.

School districts, municipalities, counties and certain types of nonprofit organizations are among the entities that are eligible to apply for grants.

EPA officials said that the program will target "the most cost-effective projects and fleets operating in areas designated as poor air quality areas." The agency expects to award between 10 and 20 assistance agreements.

The 2014 proposal submission deadline is June 17. To access the request for proposals and other information, go here.

Last year, the EPA issued a report to Congress that said that DERA projects from 2008 to 2010 impacted more than 50,000 older diesel engines.