$1.2 Million For Hybrid Trucks To Reduce Diesel Emissions In New Jersey

October 14, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the region that includes New Jersey, New York, and Puerto Rico (EPA Region 2) with $1.2 million from the economic recovery package to reduce diesel emissions, boost job creation, and promote a healthy environment.

Under the management of the not for profit organization, CALSTART, the trucks belonging to three previously identified fleets operating within New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico will be replaced with new advance technology hybrid trucks to improve regional air quality.

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“A strong 21st century economy will be one in which we are more energy efficient and producing fewer emissions,” said Senator Menendez. “By investing in projects and jobs related to cleaning the air we breathe, we are contributing to our nation’s economic security and the health of its citizens. This funding will help ensure that the transportation sector in New Jersey will fit in that type of economy.”

A total of 51 old delivery trucks will be replaced with diesel-electric hybrid trucks certified with EPA’s 2007 standards under this project. Funds will be provided under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) 2009 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program and distributed under an application by CALSTART, a not for profit organization focused on advancing clean technologies by providing technical and organizational support. This project and others have been chosen to maximize the funds’ economic impact and diesel emission reductions.

Source: Senator Robert Menendez