Congresswoman Matsui Commends the EPA West Coast Collaborative for their $2 Million Grant to Reduce Harmful Diesel Emissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 20, 2013
CONTACT:
Jonelle Trimmer: (202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Commends the EPA West Coast Collaborative for their $2 Million Grant to Reduce Harmful Diesel Emissions
CA - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) praised the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to award the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) $391,614 through the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA). The project, which is a partnership between SMAQMD, Atlas Disposal Industries and participating farmers, will replace three heavy-duty diesel refuse trucks with compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks running on Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) made from food waste. The funds will also be used to replace eight heavy-duty diesel agricultural tractors with engines that meet or exceed the most stringent exhaust emission standards.
"This announcement demonstrates the EPA's continued efforts to improve Sacramento air quality and the local environment" said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. "Investments in diesel emission reduction will lead to increased public health and a cleaner, more vibrant economy. Thanks to the efforts of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Atlas Disposal, Sacramento will continue to be a leader in the creation of a clean, environmentally friendly economy. This is truly a farm-to-fork-to-fuel project and I would love to see similar sites deployed across the region."
The vehicle and equipment replacements executed under this project will reduce ozone-forming emissions and particulate emissions substantially compared to the vehicles and equipment being replaced and will help improve regional air quality. Atlas Disposal, a Sacramento-based commercial waste collection company, currently operates 14 commercial refuse trucks on RNG that is manufactured from food waste at a state-of-the-art facility owned by Clean World, also a Sacramento-based company.
"The SMAQMD is pleased to receive this DERA grant which continues our beneficial partnership with EPA, Region IX and the West Coast Diesel Collaborative. These funds will be used to advance local sustainable technology, support our green business community and most importantly reduce emissions impacting the health of our population," said Larry Green, Executive Director of the SMAQMD.
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