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[IN] ENV AUT OIL
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-- WITH PHOTO -- TO AUTO, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND NATIONAL EDITORS:
Bipartisan Clean Air Program on Chopping Block In President Obama's
New Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One of the
nation's most proven, cost-effective and successful clean air programs
- the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act - is proposed for zero funding in
the Obama Administration's new 2015 budget proposal, according to
Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
"Zeroing out the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) seems
counterintuitive and at odds with the EPA's transportation and clean
air priorities for 2014," Schaeffer said. "EPA has indicated one of
their priorities this year is addressing problems around ports and
surrounding communities, and we know that a number of DERA grant
awards for port-related programs are scheduled for later this spring
at the EPA Ports Summit in Baltimore.
"In the last budget cycle, Congress rebuffed the Administration and
restored $13 million for this the FY 2014 DERA program, and a broad
coalition of environmental, public health and industry groups is
already on record and working with Congress on this FY 2015 budget.
DERA Has Provided a 13-to-1 Cost-Benefit Ratio in Health &
Environmental Benefits
"DERA has a proven track record of reducing emissions and improving
air quality in all 50 states. Unlike other Administration funding
programs such as the now defunct alternative energy programs, DERA
delivers a $13:1 return on investment, according to EPA. Often the
return is even higher when considering matching funds at a rate of
2-or-3 to 1 that further enhance the investments.
"DERA's effectiveness has never been questioned. DERA has been a true
environmental success story.
"We are hopeful that the bipartisan support DERA has received in both
the U.S. Senate and House will initiate action in Congress to save the
program."
The Administration's 2015 budget proposal would reduce DERA funding
from the $13 million contained in the Continuing Resolution in FY 2014
to zero in 2015. The landmark DERA grant program was originally
authorized as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to fund upgrades
and modernize the oldest, higher-emitting diesel engines,
complementing the stringent emissions standards EPA set for new diesel
engines beginning in 2007. The program has evolved to also include
deployment of many fuel-saving technologies as well.
"Having just tightened the particulate matter standards and being less
than a year away from court-ordered action on ozone standards, state
clean air agencies rely on these kinds of funds and projects to
deliver measureable emissions reductions in their communities,"
Schaeffer said.
(View this press release online here.)
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM The Diesel Technology Forum is a
non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about
the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology, and working
with policymakers and other stakeholders on common solutions. Forum
members are leaders in clean diesel technology. For more information
visit www.dieselforum.org .
For the latest insights and information from the leaders in clean
diesel technology, join us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter
@DieselTechForum, or YouTube @DieselTechForum and connect with us on
LinkedIn .
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s),
click appropriate link. Allen Schaeffer ProfNet -
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=111282
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/MM46474LOGO
Contact: Steve Hansen shansen@dieselforum.org 301-668-7230 (o)
SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum
-0- 03/05/2014
/Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120201/MM46474LOGO
/Web Site: http://www.dieselforum.org
CO: Diesel Technology Forum
ST: District of Columbia
IN: ENV AUT OIL
SU: ENP ENI NPT
PRN
-- DC77596 --
0000 03/05/2014 19:48:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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