By Laura Bailey

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced more than $1 million in federal funding for grants aimed at helping local and state governments, as well as businesses and organizations, replace older diesel engines with cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies.

The funding, provided under the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA), covers up to 60% of the cost of replacing older diesel engines with electric vehicle equivalents or newer, cleaner-burning engines. This initiative is designed to help reduce air pollution and operating costs by decreasing fuel consumption and replacing outdated diesel engines with zero-emission or low-emission alternatives.

“Since 2008, we have funded some terrific projects through DERA, including zero-emission refuse trucks, electric school buses, and cargo tractors at Connecticut ports,” said Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“We look forward to seeing more creative applications this round for cleaner operating technologies that will improve air quality, address climate change, and help to reduce emissions especially in urban areas.” 

DEEP is administering the grants for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) State Clean Diesel Program. This year, DEEP is focusing exclusively on projects that replace diesel equipment with electric-powered vehicles or marine projects, regardless of the replacement technology.

Applications for DERA grants will be accepted from Jan. 9 through Feb. 13. DEEP encourages municipalities, businesses, and other organizations to apply for funding to replace diesel engines with cleaner alternatives, especially electric-powered vehicles or equipment.

Since the program’s inception in 2008, DEEP has awarded over $8.2 million in DERA funding, which has contributed to the reduction of more than 4,750 tons of diesel emissions. Past projects funded through DERA include zero-emission refuse trucks, electric school buses and electric cargo tractors at Connecticut ports.

Diesel engine emissions continue to pose serious health risks, particularly in Connecticut’s urban areas. Diesel engines emit high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), both of which contribute to respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Connecticut exceeded federal health-based standards for ozone (smog) on 23 days in 2024, and air pollution exposure has been linked to significant healthcare costs. In 2023, the state incurred nearly $120 million in acute care charges related to asthma, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Cities like Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford and Waterbury, home to about 18 percent of the state’s population, accounted for nearly half of the state’s asthma-related healthcare charges. Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven also ranked among the top 100 most challenging cities in the U.S. to live with asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Municipalities, agencies, businesses and other organizations interested in applying for DERA funding are encouraged to visit DEEP’s Diesel Grants and Funding webpage for program details, application forms and instructions. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2025.

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