EPA Funding to Reduce Air Pollution from diesel engine Ferries Operating between New Jersey and New York
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is helping to reduce air pollution in the New York metropolitan area from diesel engine ferries. That’s why they are providing the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition with $896,838. This funding will replace 21 engines on eight ferry and excursion boats that operate between New Jersey and New York with cleaner technology. As a result, the clean diesel projects will improve air quality in urban areas of New Jersey and New York where asthma rates are high. Older diesel engines generate significant amounts of fine particles, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. These pollutants are released into the air and can make people sick.
Reducing Air Pollution from Diesel Engines from Ferries
“Reducing air pollution from diesel engines helps decrease asthma attacks, respiratory problems, lost work days due to illness and premature death,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “EPA’s support of clean diesel programs is eliminating tons of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides and is providing enormous health benefits.”
The particles in diesel exhaust can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks. These risks include increasing the risk of cancer and aggravating the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems. In addition, diesel exhaust contributes to already unhealthy levels of smog. Smog is formed when chemicals released by vehicles, power plants and industrial boilers react in sunlight.
Diesel Engines are Emissions
Nationwide, diesel engines emit 7.3 million tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 333,000 tons of fine particles annually. While EPA’s standards significantly reduce emissions from newly manufactured engines, the clean diesel projects funded through these grants address older diesel engines still in use. These older engines continue to emit higher levels of harmful pollution.
Nationally, EPA has taken steps to ensure that the diesel engines manufactured now and in the future will be significantly cleaner than those operating today. However, diesel engines are very durable, and older models will continue to be used and can pose health and environmental problems for decades. Repowering existing diesel engines with newer, cleaner engines is a relatively simple and cost effective way to reduce diesel pollution.
EPA’s efforts to reduce air pollution are ongoing. Last year, EPA announced tougher tailpipe emission standards for cars and light-duty trucks for model years 2012-2016. These standards will result in cleaner vehicles. Ultimately, this will require an average fuel economy standard of 35 mpg in 2016. Additionally, this will result in increased fuel economy of five percent every year. In addition, it will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by nearly 950 million metric tons. Also, it will save the average car buyer more than $3,000 in fuel costs.
Source: Environment Protection Agency, PR # 11-159
To learn more about EPA’s clean diesel efforts and the Northeast Diesel Collaborative, which are crucial initiatives aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality in our communities, visit: these programs promote cleaner diesel technologies. They offer financial incentives for retrofitting older diesel engines. Additionally, they implement strict regulations to target pollution sources. By fostering collaboration, stakeholders—including government agencies, environmental organizations, and industry leaders—work together. These initiatives enhance public health. They also strive to create sustainable transportation solutions. Ultimately, these efforts benefit both our environment and economy.
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/index.htm#voluntary
http://www.northeastdiesel.org
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