Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2140
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T13:06:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 2140: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025
Purpose
This bill aims to extend the federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (often called the DERA program), which provides grants and loans to replace or upgrade older diesel engines and vehicles with cleaner technologies. The program helps reduce harmful air pollution from diesel sources like trucks, buses, and construction equipment, improving air quality and public health.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization Extension: The bill amends Section 797(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (a law that sets energy and environmental policies) to extend the program's authorization from 2024 to 2029.
- No New Funding Specified: It does not allocate new money but ensures the program can continue operating under existing funding mechanisms, such as appropriations from Congress.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is a simple update to the expiration date in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, shifting it from December 31, 2024, to December 31, 2029. This five-year extension keeps the program active without altering its core rules, eligibility, or grant processes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which administers the program, can continue issuing grants and rebates, potentially reducing administrative disruptions from expiration.
- On Citizens: Improves air quality in areas with high diesel traffic (e.g., urban ports or highways), lowering risks of respiratory issues and other health problems linked to diesel exhaust.
- On Industries and Environment: Encourages cleaner diesel technologies, benefiting sectors like transportation and construction by making compliance with emission standards more affordable; supports broader climate goals by cutting greenhouse gases and pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns U.S. environmental efforts with global standards, such as those from the United Nations or international trade agreements on clean air.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental and Health Advocates: Groups like the American Lung Association benefit from sustained pollution reductions.
- Diesel Vehicle Owners and Operators: Trucking companies, school districts, ports, and farmers can access financial help for upgrades, lowering costs for emission compliance.
- Government Entities: EPA and state/local agencies gain continuity in program management; Congress retains control over future funding.
- Manufacturers: Companies producing low-emission engines or retrofits may see increased demand for their products.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a routine reauthorization that builds on established law without introducing new regulations or challenges to existing statutes; it maintains the program's voluntary grant structure, avoiding mandates that could face legal scrutiny.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves Congress's spending power under Article I to fund environmental initiatives.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) highlights it as a non-controversial environmental measure; it could influence future energy bills by signaling commitment to clean air policies amid debates on climate change and infrastructure spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (2 pages)