EPA has provided the grant to combat diesel emission, an important source of air pollution and hazardous to human health, through the 2010 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. In total, EPA will provide more than $67m in grant funds to several New England entities for the cause.
MBTA will use the grant to replace 7 unregulated HEP engines with new Tier 2 certified HEP engines that is expected to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter by 46% and 60%, respectively,annually.
The grant, which will cover up to 75% of the cost of each eligible HEP engine, is also expected to result in an annual decrease in fuel use by approximately 5% for each locomotive HEP engine.
Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, the Town of Fairfield, Connecticut and the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission are the other New England entities receiving EPA grants this year.
Curt Spaulding, regional administrator of New England office at EPA, said: “Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality—one of the seven key priorities of Administrator Jackson. Fewer diesel emissions will help those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems. These projects will help bring cleaner air to the residents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.”
