Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $3.38 Million to Reduce Diesel Engine Air Pollution

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $3.38 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants for projects that will reduce harmful diesel pollution from vehicles and equipment across Massachusetts and improve air quality in communities. 

The DERA grants, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will provide a total of $3,383,590 to seven entities to purchase electric vehicles or replace outdated diesel-fueled equipment. MassDEP prioritized projects that bring cleaner technologies into the transportation network to reduce air pollution from burning diesel fuel.

“Replacing older diesel engines means less dirty smoke in the air, quieter vehicles on the roads and healthier conditions for the people who live and work nearby,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Electrifying vehicles will also help expand the market for innovative transportation technologies into wider use and support the companies building them. Communities across Massachusetts will see the benefits of these investments for years to come.”

“Replacing outdated diesel technology is the fastest way to remove harmful pollutants from the air we breathe,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Supporting residents, municipalities, and businesses as they make the shift to proven, cleaner alternatives is one of the many ways that Massachusetts is working toward cleaner air and a sustainable future.”

Diesel emissions can cause serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and exacerbate climate change. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, while carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to increasing heat and weather extremes. MassDEP estimates that the electric vehicle replacements announced today will result in 100% reduction in tailpipe emissions, for total project lifetime reductions of 13 short tons of NOx, 3,628 short tons of CO2, and 0.49 short tons of PM2.5.

The following communities and businesses have been awarded DERA funding:

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Boston, MA) — $132,242.40

• Two (2) electric airport support equipment

Shaw's Supermarket Inc. (Methuen, MA) — $144,726.75

• One (1) electric yard tractor

Town of Arlington (Arlington, MA) — $169,172.10

• One (1) electric school bus

Town of Brookline (Brookline, MA) — $319,198.05

• One (1) electric refuse truck

Doherty's Garage (Lincoln, MA) — $384,669.90

• Two (2) electric school buses

Yankee Line Inc. (Boston, MA) — $951,514.20

• Two (2) electric transit buses

Boston Charter Bus LLC (Everett, MA) — $1,282,066.60  

• Four (4) electric transit buses

Please visit our website for more information on the DERA grant program. 

Statements of Support: 

State Senator Sal DiDomenico (D- Everett): 
"I am thrilled to see the Boston Charter Bus in Everett receive over $1 million from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to purchase four electric buses," said Senator Sal DiDomenico. "These vehicles come in and out of the city each day so transitioning away from diesel vehicles will improve air quality and benefit our residents, especially those with asthma."

State Representative Judith Garcia (D-Chelsea):
“Investments like this help move our communities toward a cleaner and healthier future. Transitioning from diesel to electric buses will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for Everett residents and the surrounding communities. I want to thank the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for supporting projects like this that strengthen both environmental progress and public health, particularly for families in urban areas where air quality challenges have long had an impact.” 

State Representative Joseph McGonagle (D-Everett):
“Investing in transportation is always a good idea, especially when we can improve community health while doing it. I’ve seen the data and reports; I know that the people of Everett are suffering from the effects of air pollution. I am thrilled for this project and I look forward to seeing this improvement.”

###