Reps. Calvert, Matsui, Pence and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Air Quality by Reducing Diesel Emissions
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Greg Pence (R-IN), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program. The bill would authorize $100 million annually to fund DERA grants and rebates to protect human health and improve air quality by reducing emissions from diesel engines.
“I have been a longtime advocate for the DERA program because of the tangible health benefits it provides to our communities, especially those in southern California with high truck traffic,” said Rep. Calvert. “Every dollar we invest in the DERA program is leveraged with investments by the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and state and local governments. In the end, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates the total lifetime value of all DERA investments since the program’s inception has resulted in more than $8 billion in health-related benefits. I want to thank Rep. Matsui and my colleagues for their support to help improve air quality and protect the health of American families.”
“Every American deserves to breathe clean air and live in a healthy environment,” said Rep. Matsui. “The road forward is clear: we need to embrace common sense solutions, cut our carbon emissions and transition to cleaner options. That is why I have long fought for programs like DERA that bring us together to reduce air pollution and protect our future. DERA continues to be a win-win-win – and the steadfast, broad bipartisan support for the program reflects its vast success. DERA creates American jobs, protects our environment, and generates up to thirty dollars in public health benefits for every dollar spent. I’m proud to have once again spearheaded this reauthorization and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
“Replacing older diesel engines with newer, made-in-America technology will not only help improve our air quality, but will also grow our economy,” said Rep. Pence. “The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act supports good-paying, domestic manufacturing jobs and will bring innovation to Indiana’s sixth district and our entire nation. I am proud to be the co-lead on this important piece of legislation and I want to thank Congresswoman Matsui for all her hard work on this bill.”
“Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, ferries, buses, construction trucks, agricultural equipment, and more, but diesel emissions have serious, harmful impacts on public health and the environment,” said Rep. Pingree. “As Ranking Member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve long supported funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) to reduce air pollution and boost our transition to clean energy. By helping repower vehicles across Maine and the country, DERA grants are vital to achieving net-zero emissions—a critical milestone we must meet in our effort to mitigate the climate crisis.”
“We applaud the efforts by Reps. Calvert and Matsui for supporting these important air quality issues,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Executive Officer. “The DERA program helps drive investments and deployments of new zero and low emission diesel technologies that are essential to reducing smog forming emissions and harmful diesel particulate matter, especially related to goods movement. Supporting this program not only reduces air pollution, but it helps fund projects in overburdened communities near our Ports, highways, rail lines, and warehouses."
###