Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 2235
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-29: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 226.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-17T12:24:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 aims to extend the federal diesel emissions reduction program, which provides grants and support to reduce harmful pollution from diesel engines in vehicles and equipment. This helps improve air quality and public health by targeting emissions like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization Extension: Amends Section 797(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16137(a)) to extend the program's authorization from 2024 to 2029.
- The bill is brief and focuses solely on this extension, without adding new requirements or funding details.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is updating the expiration date of the diesel emissions reduction program from 2024 to 2029, providing five additional years of legal authority for the program.
- No other modifications to the program's structure, eligibility, or operations are introduced.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which administers the program, can continue awarding grants to replace or upgrade old diesel engines, potentially maintaining or increasing administrative workloads without interruption.
- On Citizens: Communities near highways, ports, or industrial areas may benefit from sustained reductions in air pollution, leading to better respiratory health and fewer smog-related issues.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it supports U.S. commitments to global air quality standards under agreements like the Paris Accord by addressing domestic emissions.
- Overall, the extension ensures continuity in environmental efforts without major disruptions.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the EPA, responsible for implementing and funding the program.
- State and Local Governments: Eligible to apply for grants to retrofit school buses, construction equipment, and other diesel sources.
- Industries and Businesses: Diesel-dependent sectors like transportation, construction, and agriculture, which can access funding for cleaner technologies.
- Environmental and Health Advocates: Groups focused on clean air, such as those representing urban or low-income communities disproportionately affected by diesel pollution.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators from both parties (e.g., Whitehouse, Capito), indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the Energy Policy Act of 2005 without altering its core framework, ensuring the program's compliance with existing environmental statutes like the Clean Air Act.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges; it falls under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and environmental protection.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan cooperation on environmental issues, as evidenced by cosponsors from diverse states. The reauthorization could influence future budget debates by signaling ongoing federal commitment to air quality programs, potentially paving the way for increased funding in appropriations bills.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-29: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 226.
- 2025-10-29: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Capito without amendment. Without written report.
- 2025-10-29: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Capito without amendment. Without written report.
- 2025-10-29: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025-07-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2025-07-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (2 pages)
- Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-29 — PDF (4 pages)