In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for people of the state of Georgia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $748,000 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide truck stop electrification technology for diesel trucks at three truck stop locations. This clean diesel project will create jobs while protecting Georgia’s air quality.

“This grant is a great investment in environmental protection and will provide long-term economic benefits for Georgia,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA acting administrator in Atlanta.  “This funding will go a long way in helping to bolster the economy and protect public health and the environment by creating green jobs that improve air quality.”

To speed distribution of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, EPA is funding proposals from last year’s National Clean Diesel Campaign grant competition. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will use the $748,000 in Recovery Act funds to provide truck stop electrification technology for diesel trucks at three truck stop locations in Georgia creating a total of 85 parking spaces. Emission reductions will be based on the estimated reduction in fuel consumption.

EPA will award the remaining Recovery Act clean diesel grants in the coming months.  

For information about EPA’s clean diesel initiatives, visit www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.

For information about the Georgia DNR, visit www.gadnr.org.