COLUMBIA, S.C. — Grant funding is now available for the replacement or upgrade of older diesel engines in an effort to help reduce diesel emissions across the state.

Diesel emissions make up a significant portion of the mobile source air pollution in South Carolina, however, roughly $267,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) will help South Carolina support clean diesel projects.

“Older-model diesel engines that are still in operation produce significantly higher emissions compared to modern diesel engines and engines powered by alternative fuel sources,” said Rhonda Thompson, DHEC’s Bureau of Air Quality Chief. “This funding will support projects that target older engines for early replacement or retrofit to help reduce the harmful impact of diesel emissions on public and environmental health.”

DERA funding is intended for county, city, or other local government entities, private organizations, businesses, and universities. Grants are awarded to eligible applicants for the implementation of diesel emissions reduction projects that achieve public health and air quality goals. These projects should be cost-effective plans to reduce emissions through engine repowers, equipment and exhaust retrofits, or equipment replacements. EPA will share between 25 percent and 100 percent of the costs, depending on the type of project.

Previously allocated DERA grant funding has been used to replace school buses, repower a marine vessel, and retrofit emergency response vehicles.

“DERA continues to support innovative projects which improve air quality while simultaneously creating economic investment in South Carolina,” Thompson said. 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, for primary consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered as funding is available. A lower percentage of grant funding requested increases an applicant’s likelihood to receive funding. Additional information, applications and a list of projects previously funded in South Carolina by similar DERA grants are available here. 

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