Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced a grant of $494,427 from the Environmental Protection Agency will be awarded to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) in an effort to reduce diesel emissions and exposure throughout Maine.
"Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, buses, and important infrastructure vehicles, but its emissions have significant negative impacts on human health and the environment. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I've long supported funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to reduce air pollution. This grant will assist in repowering vehicles across our state, reducing emissions in many different communities and putting our state on a good path towards net-zero emissions—a critical milestone we must meet in our effort to mitigate the climate crisis," said Pingree.
This grant will be used to target marine repowers, short-haul freight truck replacements, school bus replacements, and electric trash haulers, with the majority going towards marine vessel engine replacement products. All projects will aid in reducing diesel emissions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, lung damage, and other serious health problems.
In January, Pingree launched a website aggregating the more than 80 pieces of legislation she supports that would address the climate crisis. She is on several pieces of legislation that would target diesel emissions, including the Green Bus Act and the Green School Bus Act. The website can be found at pingree.house.gov/climatechange.
