Sen. Carper Responds to President’s Budget Proposal to Eliminate Clean Diesel Program Funding

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate subcommittee on clean air, released the following statement reacting to the elimination of funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act in the President’s 2012 budget proposal:

“While I understand that the President’s budget requires many unpopular, tough cuts, I was disappointed to see that funding was completely eliminated for the life-saving Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). This successful program is a bipartisan, common-sense approach to cutting toxic diesel emissions that threaten the lives of Delawareans – especially those living along the I-95 corridor. Clean diesel engines made today are reaching near zero emissions, but that does nothing for the millions of engines already in use and will be in use for the next 20 years. By cleaning up old diesel engines – like those on the school buses that take our children to school every day – the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act saves lives and creates a demand for clean diesel technology, which in turn creates American jobs.

“The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act has shown a consistent high return on its initial investment. It leverages federal dollars so efficiently that for every $1 invested, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return. This program is a huge success, which is why a diverse coalition of over 530 state and local governments, industry groups, labor and environmental organizations from Delaware and all over the country have voiced their support for Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. I am disappointed that just two months after reauthorizing this successful program, the Administration eliminated funding for it. As Congress considers the federal budget in the coming weeks and months, I will work with the Administration and my colleagues to find ways to fund this effective program.”