Oregon recycling companies receive diesel emissions reduction grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded 11 recipients nearly $1 million in grants to reduce diesel emissions, including two Oregon recycling companies.

DEQ says this funding will remove more than 33 tons of pollution, including nitrogen oxide and fine particulate matter, from the state’s air.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocates this federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding to eligible states specifically for diesel emissions reduction projects.

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Bob’s Metals Inc., Portland, received $232,134 to replace two diesel trucks with new trucks with particulate matter 2.5 and nitrogen oxide emissions controls and install diesel particulate filter exhaust systems in four trucks. City Recycle LLC, also based in Portland, received $16,101 to retrofit an exhaust system in one medium-duty truck.  

Other recipients include construction, landscaping, hauling, lumber, excavation, equipment rental and roofing companies.

“The DERA grants help support small and large businesses around the state to transition to cleaner and more efficient transportation and equipment,” says Rachel Sakata, section manager in Oregon DEQ’s Air Quality Division. “This then helps DEQ advance its goals of lowering diesel emissions and decreasing air pollution leading to a cleaner environment and improved public health.”