Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced approval of H.R. 5809, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), bipartisan legislation which reauthorizes a diesel emissions reduction program for five years, encouraging production of clean-diesel technology and supporting local jobs.

“Supporting the hugely successful DERA program keeps jobs in the district, reduces toxins to the environment and promotes public health,” said Congressman Higgins.  “With this legislation and the good work from manufacturers such as Cummins Engine in Jamestown, we can continue to innovate and create cleaner, more efficient technology that will keep us healthy.”

"DERA has proven to be a very effective program to reduce emissions from older diesel engines.  Cummins was honored to partner with Representative Higgins and organizations such as the American Lung Association, Clean Air Task Force and Corning Incorporated among many others to ensure the continuation of this successful program," said David Porter, Manager of Cummins' Jamestown Engine Plant.

Retrofitting diesel engines will help to reduce pollutants to the air.  The DERA program incentivizes manufacturers to undergo this retrofitting through voluntary national and state-level competitive grant and loan programs, spurring job creation in the process.

In March, 2010, Congressman Higgins co-signed a letter to Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Simpson urging for robust funding of the DERA program, for state and local air quality grants.  These funding levels have been endorsed by a broad and unique group of over 350 public health, environmental, and industry supporters, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, the American Lung Association, Caterpillar and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.