PHOENIX (February 1, 2022) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is pleased to announce that three organizations have been selected as the 2021 program year State Clean Diesel Grant Program subaward recipients. The State Clean Diesel Grant Program is part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
MCAQD administers the Environmental Protection Agency’s DERA State Clean Diesel Grant Program, which is designed to improve air quality by reducing diesel emissions. The DERA program provides assistance to public and private organizations within Maricopa County in replacing their older diesel vehicles for newer, cleaner fuel burning vehicles. This year the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) provided matching funds for the program.
“Clean air is crucial to our quality of life in Maricopa County, and it’s only possible if we work together,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “I appreciate our Air Quality Department partnering with ADEQ to replace diesel-burning vehicles with new and low emission vehicles, and I especially appreciate the effort to do so at local schools.”
“Reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions is an important component in fulfilling MCAQD’s mission to improve air quality for the residents of Maricopa County,” remarked MCAQD’s Director, Philip McNeely, “The EPA’s DERA program and the valuable contributions from of our partners, ADEQ and the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition, allow us to move one step closer to achieving this goal. We are proud to participate in this program to help reduce diesel vehicle emissions in the Valley.”
“ADEQ is pleased to continue our partnership with MCAQD to award funds that leverage public and private investments in cleaner burning vehicles,” said ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Daniel Czecholinski. “This year we were able to fund replacement of diesel vehicles in both Maricopa and Yuma Counties. Reducing diesel vehicle emissions will improve the lives of Arizona residents and continue Arizona’s progress with meeting federal air quality standards.”
An agreement with Sysco Food Services will provide up to $258,750 in funds to replace four 2004, four 2005, and two 2006 Class 8 short haulers with ten 2021 Class 8 short haulers. Matching funds of 75% will be provided by Sysco Corporation.
An agreement with Madison Elementary School District will provide up to $205,886 in funds to replace one 2005 diesel school bus with one 2022 zero-emissions all-electric school bus. Matching funds of 55% will be provided by Madison Elementary School District.
An agreement with Yuma Union High School District will provide up to $292,332 in funds to replace one 2001, one 2005, and four 2006 diesel school buses with five 2021 propane school buses and one cleaner burning diesel school bus. Matching funds of 75% will be provided by Yuma Union High School District.
For more information, please visit the Clean Diesel Program site.
The application cycle for program year 2022 funding opens February 1st, 2022.
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
MCAQD’s mission is to improve the air of Maricopa County so customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com.
Media Contact: Ari Halpert - 602-506-6713 desk / 602-501-1266 cell, or Ari.Halpert@maricopa.gov
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