WASHINGTON, D.C. — During the recent debate on the Energy Bill, the U.S. Senate approved an amendment that would make grants and loans available to states and other organizations for reducing emissions from diesel engines. The amendment, approved by a vote of 92-1, was introduced by Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), according to the National Gas Vehicle Coalition. Because this is an “authorization” program, funds for the activities would still need to be provided through the appropriations process. If approved in the final energy bill that emerges from House-Senate conference (and then funded), the measure could provide a significant benefit to the NGV industry because it provides funds for the retrofitting or replacement of diesel engines, with new, rebuilt, or remanufactured certified or verified engines — including rebuilt and new natural gas engines. The program focuses on replacing engines in nonattainment areas and would require that at least 50 percent of the federal program funds be used on public fleets, according to the National Gas Vehicle Coalition. For a copy and more information on the bill as originally introduced (S.1265), contact Paul Kerkhoven at (202) 824-7363 or pkerkhoven@ngvc.org.