Massachusetts Awards $3.38M for Diesel Pollution Reduction
Summary
The Healey-Driscoll Administration, through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, has awarded $3.38 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants. These funds will support seven entities in purchasing electric vehicles or replacing outdated diesel equipment to reduce air pollution across Massachusetts.
What changed
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced the award of $3,383,590 in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants to seven entities. These grants are intended to fund projects that reduce diesel engine pollution by enabling the purchase of electric vehicles or the replacement of older diesel-fueled equipment. The initiative prioritizes cleaner technologies to improve air quality, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by diesel emissions, and aims to reduce pollutants such as NOx, CO2, and PM2.5.
Regulated entities and municipalities that received funding include Delta Air Lines, Shaw's Supermarket, the Towns of Arlington and Brookline, Doherty's Garage, Yankee Line Inc., and Boston Charter Bus LLC. While this is an award announcement and not a new regulatory mandate for all entities, it highlights a significant state initiative towards cleaner transportation technologies. Companies involved in transportation and logistics, particularly those operating diesel fleets, should be aware of such grant opportunities and the state's focus on reducing diesel emissions when planning fleet upgrades or considering environmental compliance strategies.
What to do next
- Review DERA grant program details for future funding opportunities.
- Assess fleet operations for potential transition to electric vehicles or cleaner technologies.
Source document (simplified)
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Press Release
Press Release Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $3.38 Million to Reduce Diesel Engine Air Pollution
For immediate release: 3/26/2026
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $3.38 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants for projects that will reduce harmful diesel pollution from vehicles and equipment across Massachusetts and improve air quality in communities.
The DERA grants, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will provide a total of $3,383,590 to seven entities to purchase electric vehicles or replace outdated diesel-fueled equipment. MassDEP prioritized projects that bring cleaner technologies into the transportation network to reduce air pollution from burning diesel fuel.
“Replacing older diesel engines means less dirty smoke in the air, quieter vehicles on the roads and healthier conditions for the people who live and work nearby,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Electrifying vehicles will also help expand the market for innovative transportation technologies into wider use and support the companies building them. Communities across Massachusetts will see the benefits of these investments for years to come.”
“Replacing outdated diesel technology is the fastest way to remove harmful pollutants from the air we breathe,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Supporting residents, municipalities, and businesses as they make the shift to proven, cleaner alternatives is one of the many ways that Massachusetts is working toward cleaner air and a sustainable future.”
Diesel emissions can cause serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and exacerbate climate change. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, while carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to increasing heat and weather extremes. MassDEP estimates that the electric vehicle replacements announced today will result in 100% reduction in tailpipe emissions, for total project lifetime reductions of 13 short tons of NOx, 3,628 short tons of CO2, and 0.49 short tons of PM2.5.
The following communities and businesses have been awarded DERA funding:
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Boston, MA) — $132,242.40
Two (2) electric airport support equipment
Shaw's Supermarket Inc. (Methuen, MA) — $144,726.75One (1) electric yard tractor
Town of Arlington (Arlington, MA) — $169,172.10One (1) electric school bus
Town of Brookline (Brookline, MA) — $319,198.05One (1) electric refuse truck
Doherty's Garage (Lincoln, MA) — $384,669.90Two (2) electric school buses
Yankee Line Inc. (Boston, MA) — $951,514.20Two (2) electric transit buses
Boston Charter Bus LLC (Everett, MA) — $1,282,066.60Four (4) electric transit buses
Please visit our website for more information on the DERA grant program.
Statements of Support:
State Senator Sal DiDomenico (D- Everett):
"I am thrilled to see the Boston Charter Bus in Everett receive over $1 million from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to purchase four electric buses," said Senator Sal DiDomenico. "These vehicles come in and out of the city each day so transitioning away from diesel vehicles will improve air quality and benefit our residents, especially those with asthma."
State Representative Judith Garcia (D-Chelsea):
“Investments like this help move our communities toward a cleaner and healthier future. Transitioning from diesel to electric buses will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for Everett residents and the surrounding communities. I want to thank the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for supporting projects like this that strengthen both environmental progress and public health, particularly for families in urban areas where air quality challenges have long had an impact.”
State Representative Joseph McGonagle (D-Everett):
“Investing in transportation is always a good idea, especially when we can improve community health while doing it. I’ve seen the data and reports; I know that the people of Everett are suffering from the effects of air pollution. I am thrilled for this project and I look forward to seeing this improvement.”
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
+
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Media Contact
Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications
Phone
Call Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at 857-443-1218
Online
Email Lauren Moreschi, Director of Communications at lauren.moreschi2@mass.gov
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