Senator Murray Applauds WA Clean-Air Recovery Funding

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded today’s announcement by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that more than $16 million will be awarded to Washington state local agencies for projects that will reduce diesel emissions in the state. These funds were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will help create jobs and reduce health risks from diesel emissions.

“This recovery funding will help local agencies hire workers and make the investments we need to reduce emissions and maintain clean air throughout Washington state,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Investments in clean air are good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for the health and well-being of our families.”

The following projects will receive funding:

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

• $739,577 for retrofitting engines on tugboats operated by FOSS Marine that will reduce particulate matter, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions
• $2,534,511 for retrofitting locomotive engines owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe

 Washington Department of Ecology

• $1,730,000 for cargo handling equipment at port facilities will receive partial flow filters and diesel oxidation catalysts

Cascade Sierra Solutions

• $907,072 for heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles to be retrofitted with aerodynamic technology
• $9,000,000 for heavy-duty diesel trucks to get replacements, exhaust retrofits, repowers, idle reduction technology, aerodynamic technology and new tires

Port of Tacoma

• $1,488,080 to install a shore-side electrical connection system and alternative maritime power at the Totem Ocean Trailer Express Terminal. Two ocean-going vessels will be retrofitted and TOTE will add certified ship-side technology.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray worked to ensure that investments in Washington state environmental protection were included in the Recovery Act.  Senator Murray voted to pass the Recovery Act on February 13th. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th.