10.5.07:Rep. Costa Introduces Bill To Remove Roadblock to Clean Air Project

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Yesterday, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) introduced legislation that would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the practice of funding clean diesel projects as part of environmental enforcement settlements. Costa introduced this legislation in partnership with Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), who introduced the same version in the United States Senate.

"Programs like DERA are great for areas across the nation, who suffer the same poor air quality like our Valley," said Costa. "By continuing this project, additional funds will come to the Valley so we can ensure diesel vehicles emit fewer pollutants into our air, and see clearer skies in our future."

This successful program has funded more than $60 million in diesel retrofit vehicles over the past few years. Under EPA's estimates, diesel retrofit projects have a 13-to-1 benefit-to-cost ratio, meaning the $60 million has resulted in $780 million in health benefits ranging from reduced asthma cases to fewer cardiopulmonary deaths.

In 2006, the EPA determined that if the agency receives a specific appropriation for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act's (DERA) grant program, the EPA may not allow diesel projects as part of an enforcement settlement. Costa's bill will give the EPA authority to continue to fund diesel retrofits through this program.

Representatives Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton), Devin Nunes (R-Visalia), and Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) joined Costa in introducing the bill.

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