Lawmakers approve funding for diesel programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 11, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved the Fiscal Year 2009 funding bill for the EPA that includes a $15 million increase in the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.

The subcommittee approved a funding level of $65 million for 2009, the amount requested by a diesel coalition letter actively supported by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, the National Student Transportation Association, the National Association for Pupil Transportation and other school bus industry representatives.

In addition, on June 12, the House approved S. 2146, which would allow the EPA to continue to use enforcement settlement agreements to fund diesel retrofit projects, notwithstanding the funding of such projects using federal appropriations through the DERA program.

The Senate previously passed the bill, but took it up again due to minor changes made by House lawmakers. The House changes ensure the bill is revenue-neutral and amend the DERA program to include the District of Columbia in the authorization. According to Congressional records, the Senate agreed to the House amendment by unanimous consent on June 17.