Sponsors (4)
Official title: To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize the diesel emissions reduction program.
Introduced March 14, 2025 by Doris Matsui · Last progress March 14, 2025
The bill would help reduce diesel pollution and improve public health by supporting engine replacement/retrofit grants, but does so at the cost of increased federal spending risks and potential gaps between authorized programs and actual appropriations that could leave intended beneficiaries without support.
Urban and rural communities and taxpayers would see reduced diesel-related air pollution and associated long-term public health benefits (fewer particulate and NOx exposures).
Fleet operators and utilities could receive continued or expanded grants to replace or retrofit diesel engines, lowering emissions and potentially improving fuel efficiency and operational costs.
Taxpayers may face higher federal outlays to fund the program or require offsetting spending cuts or tax changes if the amendment increases authorized spending.
If funding is reduced, restricted, or tightened, communities that rely on DERA grants could lose support for emission-reduction projects, undermining local air quality improvements.
Extending authorization without matching appropriations could create unmet expectations for state and local partners or fleet operators who plan projects assuming continued funding.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Revises and replaces the statutory authorization of appropriations for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, altering authorized funding levels/years or availability terms (previously $100M/yr through 2024).
Amends the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act authorization by replacing the current authorization language for appropriations (which had authorized $100 million per year through 2024). The change revises and/or extends the statute that governs how much money may be authorized and the availability terms for DERA grants and rebates. Because the excerpt does not show the exact inserted text, the bill's substantive effect is to modify the statutory authorization of appropriations for the DERA program — likely extending funding years, changing annual authorization levels, or altering availability — which affects EPA program funding and future grant awards for diesel engine and emissions control projects.