MATSUI, CALVERT, PINGREE, LANGWORTHY LEAD LEGISLATION TO REDUCE DIESEL EMISSIONS, IMPROVE AIR QUALITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Reps. Ken Calvert (R-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Nick Langworthy (R-NY) reintroduced the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2025. The bill would reauthorize the DERA program through fiscal year 2029 at the current level of $100 million annually.
In 2005, Congress enacted the original Diesel Emissions Reduction Act as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to combat pollution from heavy-duty diesel engines. Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DERA uses federal funding — distributed through grants and rebates — to leverage state and other non-federal funding to finance the voluntary replacement or installation of retrofits on existing heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines. DERA funding has played a critical role in getting old, inefficient diesel engines off the road and replaced with cleaner, American-made technology. Congresswoman Matsui has long been a champion of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, leading previous reauthorizations in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023.
“Clean air is essential to the health and well-being of every American family, ensuring that children can grow up in a safe environment and adults can live without the burden of respiratory diseases and other pollution-related health issues,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “DERA is a proven, commonsense solution that not only improves air quality and protects public health, but also supports American jobs by replacing outdated vehicles and equipment. DERA’s steadfast, bipartisan support is a testament to its cost-effective success—returning up to thirty dollars in public health benefits for every dollar spent. Reauthorizing DERA will continue to drive progress toward a cleaner, healthier future for all Americans. I am proud to once again lead this important legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
“Replacing old diesel engines with newer cleaner burning engines provides significant clean air and health benefits for our communities,” said Congressman Calvert. “That’s why I have been a longtime supporter of the DERA program and worked in a bipartisan manner to provide these critical resources.”
“Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, ferries, buses, construction trucks, agricultural equipment, and more, but diesel emissions have serious, harmful impacts on public health and the environment,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “Programs like the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) are critical to reduce air pollution and boost our transition to clean energy. Growing volatility in global oil markets only adds to the sense of urgency. That’s why it’s so important that we make efficient, low-emission vehicles and equipment as accessible as possible—and why I’m proud to support this common-sense program.”
“Reauthorizing the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act is crucial for New York’s 23rd congressional district, home to Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Not only does Cummins Inc. contribute to the local economy and provide jobs, they are leaders in engine manufacturing and innovation. New York’s 23rd congressional district needs us to reauthorize legislation like DERA so we can continue to upgrade old diesel engines, improve air quality, and support local manufacturers.”
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
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