AGC Chapters Ask EPA for $30 Million to Clean Up Diesel Engines Nationwide

Industry Would Voluntarily Contribute Additional $20M to Support Retrofit Effort In an unprecedented nationwide effort to reduce emissions from construction equipment, 15 AGC Chapters have asked the EPA for more than $31 million in grant funding to clean up approximately 1,000 diesel machines that are currently in use on AGC-members' jobsites.  These AGC Chapters - representing 9 out of 10 EPA Regions - have leveraged an additional $20 million plus in matching funds and "in-kind" contributions by pulling together an impressive array of project partners.  The current grant competition is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.  If AGC's collective effort is fully funded, it would create and/or preserve more than 1,000 jobs. Diesel grant applications were due to EPA on April 28.  EPA is currently reviewing project proposals and will announce "winners" over the next 30 days.  Private construction companies cannot apply (on their own) for an EPA diesel retrofit grant.  Interested AGC members are encouraged to contact their local AGC Chapters to discuss future opportunities to apply for federal funding.  AGC and its Chapters are grateful for the assistance that the equipment dealers and engine/equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Cummins provided for this effort - and particularly the assistance that Caterpillar Emissions Solutions provided in making an outside consultant available to review AGC Chapter applications.  AGC expects additional Chapters to compete for federal diesel retrofit funds in the near future. EPA will hold another grant competition in August 2009 (EPA fiscal year 2009 appropriations), although it will be for much less money - around $60M.  Also, there will be another opportunity to apply for funding in 2010. For more information, click here or contact Leah Pilconis at pilconisl@agc.org or (703) 837-5332.