WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has $1.7 million available to governments and non-profit organizations for clean diesel projects, according to the Web site www.etrucker.com. Agency officials are taking applications until July 31 under the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program as part of the USA 2007 Northeast Diesel Collaborative Emissions Reductions Grant Program.

The EPA is accepting applications for the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program from states and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, and other public or private non-profit institutions.

All projects must demonstrate innovative pollution reduction among on- and off-road vehicles and equipment, including heavy trucks, and must benefit the air quality in these areas: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, and federally recognized tribal lands in these regions.

Projects may include add-on pollution control technology, engine or vehicle replacement, idle reduction technologies or strategies, and cleaner fuel use. More information is available at www.epa.gov.