LT. GOV O'BRIEN PRAISES EPA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULUS AND CLEAN DIESEL GRANT FUNDS

LT. GOV O'BRIEN PRAISES EPA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STIMULUS AND CLEAN DIESEL GRANT FUNDS

 

Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien today praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its presentation of stimulus funds that will infuse nearly $100 million in environmental funding to create jobs and improve Colorado's air, water, and land.  Today's announcement included a $1.73 million clean diesel grant to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and that an additional $7.3 million is available through competitive grants to entities in EPA's Region VIII, which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. 

 

"This week, we have had three announcements about new businesses and new jobs through wind turbines, solar technology and water technology," said Lt. Gov. O'Brien. "We know that a thriving New Energy Economy means a healthy Colorado economy and a healthy Colorado environment."

 

CDPHE and the Regional Air Quality Council are working with the EPA to curb diesel emissions while bringing new research and design jobs to Colorado.  The Regional Air Quality Council in metro Denver has been a long-time leader in clean diesel development.

 

Under the Recovery Act, these grants, funded through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, are available to qualified applicants through April 28, 2009, and can be used by school districts to fund projects such as retrofitting their diesel fleets with emission controls. Today's award is the first EPA-related environmental stimulus grant to be awarded in the nation.