12:43pm | Congress today voted to pass the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2010, an update and modification to a 2005 bill that grants rebates and loans with the goal of creating jobs and improving air quality. Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach) was a vocal supporter of the bill.
“The immediate and long term benefits of passing the DERA Act are substantial to the 37th Congressional
District and our nation as a whole,” explained Congresswoman Richardson. “The Diesel Emissions
Reduction Act not only provides economic incentives to decrease emissions and protect our environment,
but also creates significant health benefits as well.”
The original DERA would have expired at the end of 2011 without an update. Congressmembers from both parties supported the modifications, which include expansions to cover the District of Columbia and national territories.
Several DERA grants will be awarded to Southern California cities and entities, such as $4.01 million to the Port of Long Beach to replace or retrofit 118 cargo-handling equipment units. In total, more than $500 million will be awarded to efforts aimed at cleaning the air.
“The Port of Long Beach is pleased that Congress has passed a bill to reauthorize the Diesel Emission Reduction Act for five additional years and thanks Congresswoman Richardson for her leadership in moving this measure forward,” said Richard D. Steinke, executive director of the Port of Long Beach.
“Programs like DERA are critical in helping the Port reduce emissions and achieve the environmental goals set forth in our pioneering Clean Air Action Plan.”