EPA Presents Awards for Diesel Emission Reduction

Sept. 28, 2010

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5's Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative Leadership Group has recognized people and organizations in government, non-profit and industry sectors that have acted to reduce diesel emissions.

"These award winners have all done a great job and are role models to their communities, their constituents and peers," said Cheryl Newton, acting director of EPA Region 5's air division. "Each honoree has forged unique and effective partnerships for reducing diesel emissions in the Midwest."

Winners:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5's Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative Leadership Group has recognized people and organizations in government, non-profit and industry sectors that have acted to reduce diesel emissions.

"These award winners have all done a great job and are role models to their communities, their constituents and peers," said Cheryl Newton, acting director of EPA Region 5's air division. "Each honoree has forged unique and effective partnerships for reducing diesel emissions in the Midwest."

Winners:

Roehl Transport, Marshfield, WI - a member of EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership.  Fifteen percent of its fleet is equipped with auxiliary power units, with the entire fleet to be fitted by 2010.  Trucks are governed to a maximum speed of 63 mph and monthly driver idling standard incentives will reduce idling by 41 percent over last year.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency - Since 2005, Ohio EPA has collected $1,643,813 from pollution violators.  This money funds grants for school districts to reduce diesel emissions.  The Ohio Clean Diesel School Bus Fund has installed pollution control equipment on 642 school buses in 33 districts across the state.  The program is so successful the Ohio General Assembly voted to reauthorize it through 2009.

City of Chicago Department of Fleet Management - The City of Chicago Department of Fleet Management's Diesel Vehicle Emissions Reduction Program has successfully addressed its legacy diesel fleet through a variety of pollution control technologies.  To date, 519 refuse and utility trucks, street sweepers and front-end loaders have been retrofitted.  In addition, 346 alternative-fueled and 232 hybrid vehicles have been purchased.  E-85 fuel has been added to five stations and idle-shutdown devices have been installed on 611 medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

High horsepower awards for individual excellence were presented to:

Jessica Lawent for her dedication, leadership and drive to build the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wisconsin Clean Diesel Initiative.  She spearheaded the ambitious goal of affecting 50,000 legacy diesel engines in Wisconsin by 2010 through educational outreach and funding development.

Joe Konceli, of Frantz Ward LLP, Cleveland, OH, as former director of Ohio EPA's Clean Diesel School Bus Fund, created a sustained program to reduce pollution affecting children and targeting hot spots.  His work, and that of various other groups, resulted in an Ohio Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant of $20 million.  He continues to push for full implementation of practical solutions to Ohio's air quality issues.