Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Reauthorize Diesel Emissions Reduction Act

Strategic Insights -

California Rep. Ken Calvert and four other bipartisan lawmakers have introduced a bill to reauthorize the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program, aiming to protect human health and improve air quality by reducing emissions from diesel engines. The legislation would provide $100 million annually to fund DERA grants and rebates, leveraging private sector investments and yielding significant health-related benefits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that total DERA investments have resulted in more than $8 billion in health-related benefits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill aims to protect human health and improve air quality by reducing emissions from diesel engines, with a focus on communities in southern California with high truck traffic.
  • The DERA Program has yielded significant health-related benefits, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimating a total lifetime value of over $8 billion in health-related benefits.
  • The program has broad bipartisan support, reflecting its success in creating American jobs, protecting the environment, and generating public health benefits.
  • DERA grants are vital to achieving net-zero emissions and reducing air pollution, with Wayne Nastri, South Coast Air Quality Management District's Executive Officer, applauding the lawmakers' efforts to support air quality issues.
  • According to Rep. Matsui, every dollar invested in the DERA program is leveraged with investments by the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and state and local governments.

Statistics:

  • The bill aims to provide $100 million annually to fund DERA grants and rebates.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that total DERA investments have resulted in more than $8 billion in health-related benefits.
  • DERA creates American jobs and generates up to thirty dollars in public health benefits for every dollar spent.
  • The program has broad bipartisan support, with multiple lawmakers from both parties speaking in favor of its reauthorization.

Sources:

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