10/30/2026

House Committee Advances Diesel Emissions Reduction Act

Source: aftermarketNews

The House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously advanced the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2025, moving legislation that would renew federal support for replacing and upgrading older diesel equipment one step closer to a House vote.

H.R. 2140 would reauthorize the DERA program through fiscal year 2029. Its previous authorization allowed up to $100 million annually through FY2024. The bill would extend that authorization through 2029.

Reps. Doris Matsui, D-Calif.; Ken Calvert, R-Calif.; Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; and Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., introduced H.R. 2140 in March 2025. The House Environment Subcommittee advanced the legislation by voice vote in July before the full committee took it up Sept. 2.

What DERA Reauthorization Means for Fleets

Congress created DERA in 2005 to accelerate the replacement or upgrade of older diesel engines and equipment. EPA’s program can support projects involving Class 5-8 highway vehicles, as well as buses, off-road equipment, locomotives, marine engines, and other diesel-powered equipment.

That gives the legislation a direct connection to commercial fleets. Depending on the specific DERA program, funding can support eligible vehicle and equipment replacements, engine replacements, verified retrofit technologies, and idle-reduction technologies. Approximately 30% of annual DERA appropriations are directed to state programs.

EPA’s latest report to Congress shows the scale of the program to date. From fiscal years 2008 through 2020, EPA awarded nearly $960 million to replace or retrofit approximately 76,900 engines and vehicles. The agency estimates those projects saved 572 million gallons of diesel fuel over the lifetime of the affected equipment.

Demand has also historically exceeded available funding. EPA reported that DERA grant and rebate applicants requested $220 million more than was available in FY2019 and FY2020 alone.

American Trucking Associations Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom welcomed the committee’s action.

“DERA has been instrumental in that progress, helping motor carriers invest in the newest, cleanest equipment and accelerate the deployment of proven innovations,” Hanscom said.

Read the full article on Fleetequipmentmag.com.