What is the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)?
How does DERA fit into Hawaii’s larger goal of emissions reduction and clean energy?
When is the best time to apply for DERA?
Is our really old (1991) dump truck-broken more than operational-eligible for replacement?
Can I replace our 48 HP bulldozer with a new 215 HP dozer?
We desperately need a dump truck. Would that be eligible?
Do I have to replace diesel with diesel, or are other fuels eligible?
What else is eligible? Is non-road equipment eligible?
Where do I go to get more information?
ABOUT DERA
In Hawai‘i, DOH’s Clean Air Branch administers the DERA program. Each year, Hawai‘i may be eligible for $200,000 to $450,000, depending on available state match and congressional allocations. In 2018, Hawai‘i was allocated $411,5782 .
What is DERA?
Simply, DERA helps public fleet managers get a discount on eligible heavy and medium duty diesel vehicles (and vessels and equipment). The original vehicle, or its engine, needs to be permanently destroyed, since the goal of the program is to remove old, dirty equipment from operation. If the State matches 1:1, it may be eligible for more money from EPA.
How does DERA fit into Hawaii’s larger goal of emissions reduction and clean energy?
In Hawai‘i, DOH’s Clean Air Branch administers the DERA program. Each year, Hawai‘i may be eligible for $200,000 to $450,000, depending on available state match and congressional allocations. In 2018, Hawai‘i was allocated $411,5782. The Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission’s Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) asked to look into the DERA program as one component of the overall strategy to help transition state and counties’ vehicles.
When is the best time to apply for DERA?
Hawai‘i has the option to apply every year. DERA must be applied for by mid/late June –for a schedule, see:
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100WK7X.pdf.
The best time to review which vehicles may be swapped out is October-December of each year, in time to notify the program of the intent to submit (in April). For a full schedule see:
https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100WK7X.pdf.
However, this identification should be made ahead of time, as part of a state’s larger plan to transition its fleet.
Is our really old (1991) dump truck–broken more than operational—eligible for replacement?
No. Vehicles need to be in operation to be considered. They also need to fit into the eligible range of years. Generally speaking, for most on highway and nonroad equipment you will encounter, the eligible model year range is 1995-2006. (2009 if you upgrade to electric equipment).
Can I replace our 48 HP bulldozer with a new 215 HP dozer?
No. You are not allowed to change the function/type of your equipment or the size when you replace it.
We desperately need a dump truck. Would that be eligible?
No. If you’re buying something for the first time, it is not a replacement, and would be considered ‘fleet expansion’, where the goal of the program is to reduce emissions from the current fleet of operating vehicles.
Do I have to replace diesel with diesel, or are other fuels eligible?
The program allows for the purchase of natural gas powered equipment/engines. If you have biodiesel, this could also be an eligible project. Basically, if it is a certified clean fuel, it is considered eligible for funding.
What else is eligible? Is non-road equipment eligible?
Yes, it can be. Vessels are also eligible. Engine retrofits, cleaner fuels, and engine upgrades, verified idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, certified engine replacements, and/or certified vehicle or equipment replacement may all be eligible.
Okay, I’m convinced! Where do I go to get more information?
All program information can be found here:
If you need more help, Hawaii’s contact is:
Asia Yeary, DERA Project Officer, EPA (email: [email protected])
Dana Mayfield, Technical Lead, EPA region 9 (email: [email protected])
