EPA awards first of its $50 million clean diesel grants; OOIDA gets $1.13 million
Of that first $3.4 million, a $1.13 million grant went to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), to be used to reimburse drivers for 40 percent of the cost of APU purchases through OOIDA’s Equipment Finance Department.
The Trucker News Services
9/25/2008
WASHINGTON — The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday announced the recipients of the first $3.4 million of the agency’s total $50 million Diesel Emission Reduction Program.
Of that first $3.4 million, a $1.13 million grant went to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), to be used to reimburse drivers for 40 percent of the cost of APU purchases through OOIDA’s Equipment Finance Department.
Truck owners will need to submit information from their vehicle’s engine control modules to show emissions data and to show a reduction in emissions.
“We’re very pleased that we were selected to administer these funds,” said Tom Weakley, director of operations for the OOIDA Foundation.
Also receiving part of the EPA’s first $3.4 million in program funds are the Community Development Transportation Lending Services in Washington, D.C., and Cascade Sierra Solutions in Oregon.
“These grants encourage technologies that will help truckers save over $72 million in fuel costs per year and lower their environmental impacts,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson in an EPA news release.
EPA also will begin disbursing $14.8 million for state clean diesel programs. All 50 states will receive monies and 35 states will put matching resources towards the program.
Later this fall, $27.6 million in grants will be distributed by EPA’s 10 regional offices. Then this winter grants totaling $3.4 million for emerging technologies will be awarded, the news release stated.
Weakley, on the organization’s Web site, said OOIDA’s portion of the grants will “help us to help the small-business owners lower their exposure [to diesel exhaust] and meet the growing number of anti-idling regulations.
“The cost of APUs has remained high. During these difficult times, any and all help is welcome that will help the small businessman protect both his health and pocketbook.”