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The Houston Advance Research Center receives $496,000 to improve regional air quality

Release Date: 06/10/2010
Contact Information: Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas – June 10, 2010) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded over $496,000 to the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) to reduce diesel emissions in the Dallas-Forth Worth and Houston-Galveston-Brazoria areas. Part of the reductions will come from installation of auxiliary power units (APU), educational training and outreach to fleet operators.

The $496,627 grant aims to significantly reduce emissions and save fuel by retrofitting long-haul trucks with APUs. Outreach efforts will increase awareness of the program and influence other truck drivers and trucking companies to make similar efforts. Partners in the grant include both the American Lung Association of The Central States and Idle Green.

EPA considers APUs a verified pollution reduction technology. It will aid in eliminating 11 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from trucks each year. To assist with the expansion of these reduction technologies, the EPA, partnered with the Small Business Administration, will set up attractive loan packages for trucking companies that implement SmartWay strategies.

SmartWay is an innovative brand that represents environmentally cleaner, more fuel efficient transportation options.

Additional information on EPA grants: https://www.epa.gov/region6/gandf/index.htm

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at: https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/jun2010.html