$23 Million Added for Clean Diesel Grants
The current DERA grant opportunity triples from $11 million to $34 million, and the application deadline is extended to July 5.

EPA’s current clean diesel grant opportunity has tripled from $11 million to $34 million.

EPA’s current clean diesel grant opportunity has tripled from $11 million to $34 million.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The current round of Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding has tripled, and fleets have more time to apply for it, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Thursday.
In April, the EPA announced that it expected to give out between 20 and 80 grants totaling at least $11 million in DERA funds for clean diesel projects.
Now, another $23 million in funding has been added, for a total of $34 million. Also, EPA said that the deadline for proposals for the grant opportunity has been extended from June 20 to July 5.
Other changes to the request for proposals include the modification of funding limits by region and the addition of clean alternative fuel conversions to the list of eligible diesel emission reduction solutions.
For more information and details on how to apply, go here.
After facing the threat of being “zeroed out” in budget cuts, the DERA program ended up securing a significant increase in the recent federal appropriations bill: $60 million for fiscal year 2017, which is a 20% increase from the 2016 level of $50 million.
Now, an effort is underway in Congress to pass a reauthorization bill that would extend the DERA program for about five more years.
More Alternative Fuels

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: New Buses, Charging Hubs & Real-World EV Testing
Propane and electric school bus deployments continue to grow as districts add new vehicles, expand charging infrastructure, and gather more real-world operating data.
Read More →
Fewer Electric School Bus Models Reshape the U.S. Market
WRI’s latest buyer’s guide points to a consolidating electric school bus market, but fewer options may reflect a maturing industry rather than fewer meaningful choices for school bus operators.
Read More →
The Fuel Budget You Can Actually Predict: How Propane Autogas Keeps Money in the Classroom
Learn how propane autogas helps school districts manage fuel costs with predictable pricing, lower maintenance, and reduced emissions from former transportation director Joel Stutheit.
Read More →
Hendrickson, Driventic Introduce New Electric Powertrain for School Buses
ELECTRAAX, the electrified, lightweight drive axle offers integrated ePowertrain efficiency and modular flexibility for Class 6–7 school bus use.
Read More →
The Mobility House Joins PowerFlex in Fleet Electrification Deal
The acquisition combines intelligent charging software, bidirectional charging expertise, and fleet electrification services to support the growing adoption of electric school buses across North America.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: Electric School Bus Investments Hit the Road
See which districts across the U.S. are putting electric school buses into service, expanding charging infrastructure, and planning the next phase of fleet electrification.
Read More →
With Fuel Volatility Ahead, School Districts Turn to Propane
While diesel prices peaked above $5 this spring, districts with propane autogas-powered fleets paid under $2 per gallon, according to PERC.
Read More →
EPA Unveils Proposed Changes to 2027 Heavy-Duty Engine Rules
The federal agency has proposed changes to next year’s targets that would eliminate DEF derates, ease warranty requirements, and retain current NOx emissions standards.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: EV Charging & Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum
The latest developments include new funding, charging infrastructure, utility investments, and fleet technologies designed to support the transition to electric school buses nationwide.
Read More →
