2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Program
Open
Environmental Protection Agency is offering grants of up to $12.0 million to the applicants described in the notice. It expects to make about 120 awards worth $180 million in total. Applications close on January 22, 2027.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed September 29, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$12.0 million
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awards120
- Total funding$180 million
- Cost sharingRequired
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Posted | September 25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | January 22, 2027 |
| Archived by Grants.gov | February 21, 2027 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to the applicants described in the notice.
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
See Section 2 for eligibility information.
Is this a realistic fit?
- The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.
What the grant funds
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announces the availability of funds under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program and solicits applications from eligible entities to incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of the nation’s legacy diesel engine fleet. Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified or verified technologies. There are several ways DERA recipients may implement projects and fund project partners, depending on the roles and responsibilities of each. If the applicant is the owner of the target vehicles, the applicant may directly implement the project. If the applicant is partnering with diesel fleet owners, the applicant may award subawards or participant support costs (e.g., rebates). Please refer to Section 9.B. for detailed guidance on funding partnerships. After an extensive review of the program, the EPA revamped DERA requirements to ensure alignment with the Administration’s priorities, improve the quality of projects funded, expand the availability of technology choices, and respond to stakeholder requests for a simplified program structure. Consistent with agency grants direction, updates to 2 CFR §200.204 and DERA statutory requirements, this NOFO reflects these changes and inputs when compared to previous funding notice opportunities. This NOFO is a competitive grant program. The DERA Program has another competitive funding opportunity, DERA Tribal and Territory Program, which funds similar activities but is only open to eligible Tribal and territory applicants. Competitive funding for school bus replacement is also available through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. The DERA Program also provides non-competitive funding to U.S. States and territories through the DERA State Program.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to Elizabeth January, Program Analyst, dera@epa.gov, 202-564-1584.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Program?
Environmental Protection Agency accepts applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Program?
Closes January 22, 2027 (83 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $12.0 million each. About $180 million in total across about 120 awards.
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