WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jim Moran’s (D-Va.) H.R. 1 amendment, which would have eliminated funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program, failed last week. 

As SBFpreviously reported, President Obama proposed in his fiscal year 2012 budget to cut the $80 million for the EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign by stopping DERA funding next year.

The campaign has helped pupil transportation operations reduce emissions from their school buses by providing grants for pollution-control technology. The allocation of grant funding for the campaign is authorized through the DERA.

In this latest development, 352 members voted against Moran’s amendment in a roll call vote on the floor, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Moran’s amendment would have eliminated the DERA budget reportedly to increase funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.