WASHINGTON, D.C. — A grant of $494,427 from the Environmental Protection Agency will be awarded to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) in an effort to reduce diesel emissions and exposure throughout Maine, according to a news release. 

This grant will be used to target marine repowers, short-haul freight truck replacements, school bus replacements, and electric trash haulers, with the majority going towards marine vessel engine replacement products, per the release.

All projects will aid in reducing diesel emissions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, lung damage, and other serious health problems.