Environmental Justice Tracker

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EPA Published Report Detailing Improvements in Air Quality from the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act

Last updated:

August 25, 2022

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EPA released a report surveying the first ten years of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), which authorizes EPA to provide rebates and grants to replace high-emitting diesel vehicles. EPA finds  that the DERA has significantly reduced smog, soot, air toxics and other emissions, improving air quality and improving health in communities across the country. The air quality results have been especially impactful for vulnerable communities and children as the emission reductions provide environmental benefits to underserved and overburdened areas. Between 2008 and 2018, the DERA enabled EPA to replace or retrofit more than 73,000 diesel vehicles, preventing the use of 520 million gallons of diesel. These fuel savings avoided approximately $8 billion in health costs. In the announcement, EPA also commits to dedicate  at least 40% of DERA funding to “disadvantaged communities” in accordance with the Justice40 Initiative.