News Releases from Region 08

EPA awards Utah $2.3M to reduce diesel emissions along the Wasatch Front

Truck and bus replacement project to reduce particulate matter and other air pollutants

DENVER - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (Utah DEQ) a $2.3M grant under the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty trucks and school buses based in several counties along the Wasatch Front, an area challenged by levels of particulate matter that exceed federal air quality standards. 

“EPA’s clean diesel grants support local and regional efforts to secure healthier air in our communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator, Doug Benevento. "Over the past decade, the state of Utah has established exemplary partnerships with local governments and businesses to prioritize clean diesel investments and retrofit and replace high-emitting vehicles. EPA will continue to support our partners as they address air quality challenges along the Wasatch Front.”

“In addition to the air quality benefits that result from these projects, DEQ appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with different organizations to upgrade their fleets,” said DEQ Executive Director, Alan Matheson. “This funding assistance is a win-win for Utah businesses and the local airshed.”

Utah DEQ will use the EPA clean diesel grant to replace short and long-haul diesel trucks with current model year vehicles that have the most stringent emissions standards available at the time of replacement. In addition, several diesel school buses will be replaced with current model year school buses powered by clean diesel, low-NOx, compressed natural gas engines or propane. The majority of these vehicles will operate in Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah and Weber counties, all designated nonattainment for particulate matter.

EPA’s grant will result in the reduction of approximately 335 tons of nitrogen oxides; 25 tons of particulate matter; 42 tons of hydrocarbons; and 130 tons of carbon monoxide. It will also save an estimated 595,137 gallons of fuel.

Utah DEQ established the Utah Clean Diesel Program to promote diesel emission reduction strategies. Since 2008, over $12 million in state and federal grants have helped public and private fleet owners in Utah reduce emissions from their diesel vehicles and equipment.  Investments in clean-diesel technologies save money and reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks, respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts that affect the region every year.

For information on Utah’s Clean Diesel Program visit: https://deq.utah.gov/ProgramsServices/programs/air/cleandiesel/

For information about EPA’s clean diesel initiatives, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.