House Passes Pingree Bill to Cut Diesel Pollution, Protect Maine Families

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) applauded the passage of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 , bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting public health and lowering the cost of replacing older, heavily polluting diesel engines. Introduced by Pingree and Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), and Nick Longworthy (R-N.Y.), the bill reauthorizes the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program (DERA) through fiscal year 2029 at $100 million annually. First created through the Energy Policy Act of 2005 , DERA provides grants and rebates that help schools, local governments, small businesses, and fleet operators replace or upgrade older diesel-powered trucks, buses, construction equipment, and other heavy-duty engines. “Diesel fuel powers Maine’s boats, ferries, buses, construction trucks, agricultural equipment, and more, but emissions from older diesel engines have serious consequences for public health and the environment. Since its passage in 2005, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act has helped replace or retrofit nearly 100,000 diesel engines, vehicles, and pieces of equipment and deliver cleaner air and billions in public health benefits to communities across the country—including here in Maine,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “With Trump’s reckless war in Iran increasing volatility in global energy markets, and with the threats posed by climate change looming larger every day, Congress took a much-needed step today to reauthorize DERA so that we can continue to pursue solutions that help reduce our dependence on foreign energy and incentivize American consumers and businesses to embrace more efficient technologies. Reauthorizing this proven program will help us make progress on both fronts, while reducing pollution and improving air quality in Maine and across the country.” “For more than two decades, DERA has been a model of effective, bipartisan policymaking,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Under the program, California has replaced thousands of polluting trucks, tractors, and school buses, helping children breathe cleaner and healthier air as they ride to school. And now, as diesel prices reach $6 per gallon nationally, DERA is more important than ever. It doesn’t just save lives, it saves people money. I’m proud that the House voted to continue funding this practical, commonsense program.” “Today’s passage of the bipartisan Diesel Emissions Reduction Act is a win for American workers, American manufacturing, and communities across the country,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This legislation will help replace aging diesel engines in school buses, snowplows, agricultural equipment, emergency vehicles, and other critical equipment with newer, American-made technology. That means cleaner air for our communities while supporting good-paying manufacturing jobs right here at home. I’m proud to have co-led this bipartisan effort with Congresswoman Matsui, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill and get it to the President's desk." Diesel engines are known to produce an outsized share of pollutants that contribute to asthma, heart and lung disease, and premature death—but remain in service across the economy due to the significant cost of replacement. Since its creation, DERA has helped retire these outdated engines sooner by lowering the cost of cleaner replacements, returning up to $30 in public-health benefits for every federal dollar invested. The program’s voluntary, technology-neutral model allows communities to choose the upgrades that best suit their needs. Since 2008, the program has improved more than 76,900 vehicles and engines nationwide. Pingree has long been a champion of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, cosponsoring its previous reauthorization in 2019. Full text of the bill is available HERE . ###