PHOENIX (February 2, 2024) – The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) announced that it is administering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) State Clean Diesel Grant Program . The program aims to improve air quality by replacing older diesel vehicles with newer, cleaner combustion technology.

Organizations within Maricopa or Yuma County may apply to receive a subaward for refurbishing, repowering, or replacing an older vehicle (engine model year up to 2009) with a new certified diesel vehicle or equipment . Organizations also have the option of replacing their 2010 model year or newer vehicles and school buses with new zero-emission or low-NOx vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

Applications must be submitted online by the end of March 15, 2024. Funding is limited and it is estimated that up to $1 million will be allocated during the current benefit period. The subaward will be determined based on factors such as pollutant reduction, total project cost, vehicle use and technology, and the applicant's ability to complete the project by March 31, 2026. The winner of the award will be announced in October 2024.

MCAQD will host a virtual DERA Grant Writing Workshop on February 14, 2024. Valley of the Sun Clean City Allianceto assist stakeholders in the grant application process.

To sign up for the DERA Grant Writing Workshop or begin the application process, please note the following:

• DERA Program Application Period February 1, 2024 to March 15, 2024. Please submit your application.
• DERA Grant Writing Workshop: February 14, 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am. By attending this workshop, you will receive Microsoft Teams invitations to all workshops and application cycle notifications. Online registration.

For questions about DERA or the program, please contact Larz Garcia, MCAQD Grants Program Administrator, at 602-506-0147 or Larz.Garcia@Maricopa.gov.

About the Maricopa County Air Quality Department

MCAQD's mission is to improve Maricopa County's air quality so that our customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment. MCAQD is managed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set by the federal Clean Air Act. For air quality information and resources, visit: Maricopa.gov/AQ.

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