Program Overview
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is proud to have been awarded DERA funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the amount of $408,691 for fiscal year 2024. DERA has provided an opportunity to help reduce harmful diesel emissions. The federal funding for the State Clean Diesel Grant Program supports projects that provide cost-effective diesel emission reduction strategies. Funding is intended for county, city, or other local government entities, private organizations, businesses, and universities. Grants are awarded to eligible applicants for implementation of diesel emission reduction projects across the state to achieve public health and air quality goals. The state will allocate funding appropriately and prioritize projects that meet all eligibility criteria, submit all required documentation, and focus on the DERA programmatic priorities outlined in the 2023-2024 State Guide.
From this webpage, you can navigate to the tabs at the top of your screen for more information on diesel-powered engines and equipment, how to apply for the State DERA program, past DERA awardees, and how DERA has directly impacted the state of South Carolina.
All required forms and procedures to apply for the State DERA program will be posted under the “Application Materials” tab.
Email questions to DERA@des.sc.gov, and DERA staff will reach back out to you!
Stay up to date on the status of diesel emission reduction grants and information by visiting the STRIDE Collaborative's website. Here, you can learn more about grants, completed projects, and clean diesel strategies. The Southeastern Team Reducing the Impacts of Diesel Emissions (STRIDE) is a partnership between leaders from federal, state and local government; the private sector; and other stakeholders in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Together, we can continue to improve air quality and public health throughout the Southeastern U.S. Sign up and join now!
Other DERA Grant Opportunities
Not searching for the State DERA program? The U.S. EPA also administers three other components of the DERA grants through its National Clean Diesel Grant Program. See below for the hyperlinked websites and brief description.
The National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program awards competitive grants to fund projects that implement EPA or CARB verified and certified diesel emission reduction technologies.
The National Clean Diesel Tribal Grants award competitive grants to U.S. tribal agencies or intertribal consortia with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality to fund projects that implement EPA or CARB verified and certified diesel emission reduction technologies.
The Clean Diesel Rebates offer rebates in addition to grants for specific opportunities to implement clean diesel technology.
Other Federal Grant Opportunities
Grants.gov is a single access point for over 900 grant programs offered by the 26 Federal grant-making agencies. You can use ‘Search Grants’ using keywords or more specific criteria.
Catalog of All Federal Domestic Assistance: This online catalog provides a full listing of all federal programs available to state, local and DC governments; federally-recognized Tribal governments; US territories and possessions; and domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations.