House passes Diesel Emissions Reduction Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) moves to President Obama’s desk after it gained approval by the U.S. House of Representatives this morning.

Obama is expected to sign the five-year reauthorization of the program, which provides funds to reduce emissions from school buses and other diesel vehicles.

The reauthorization “will play a major role in our nation’s effort to expand our clean air initiatives,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

The Senate unanimously approved the bipartisan legislation on Dec. 16. It was introduced on Nov. 18 by Senators George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) and cosponsored by several of their colleagues.

"DERA leverages federal dollars so efficiently that for every $1 invested, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return,” Carper said. “This program is a huge success, which is why a diverse coalition of over 530 state and local governments, industry groups, labor and environmental organizations from Delaware and all over the country have voiced their support for reauthorization of DERA."