In its second round of rebates in the Diesel Emission Reduction Act program, the U.S. EPA is offering financial assistance to replace engines and exhaust controls on older construction equipment. All governmental entities are eligible, as are private companies that have a contract with a public entity. 

The rebates range from $30,000 for adding a diesel particulate filter to as much as $69,000 for replacing old engines with new Tier 3 diesel engines. Each applicant can submit only one application, but it can include up to five pieces of equipment up to a total rebate of $120,000. The application deadline is Jan. 15. 

The program applies only to nonroad engines used in construction and owned by the applicant. 

The EPA defines nonroad engines as:

• Self-propelled equipment.
• Equipment that is propelled while performing its function.
• Equipment that is portable or transportable, as indicated by the presence of wheels, skids, carrying handles, dolly, trailer or platform. 

Those engines must be used in the construction industry, defined as:

• The creation or maintenance of transportation infrastructure, commercial and industrial projects, residential buildings, and heavy civil construction. 

The construction equipment must be diesel-powered and have a rated power between 130 to 450 kW or 174 to 603 horsepower. Examples include wheel or skid loaders, motor graders, and dozers. The equipment must also be located in a county covered by the program; a list is available in the application information. Not all applications will be funded. They will be selected by a random drawing until the total rebate funding of $2 million is expended. 

The EPA will be holding a webinar to explain the program on Dec. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. (EST). The webinar address is https://epa.connectsolutions.com/rebate_program and you can join by selecting “Enter as Guest.” The call-in number is 866/299-3188: Conference code: 2023439231#. 

There are several other restrictions and requirements, such as the scrapping of certain replaced engines, and continued operation in the county in which the rebate was approved. A full explanation and application forms are available at www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/dera-rebate-construction.htm. 

Other programs in the National Clean Diesel Campaign are explained at www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.