A principal objective of the assistance under this program is to achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and reductions in diesel emissions exposure, particularly from vehicles, engines and equipment operating in areas designated as poor air quality areas.

Priority for funding will go to projects that:

1. Maximize public health benefits;

2. Are the most cost-effective;

3. Serve areas:

   I. with the highest population density;

   II. that are poor air quality areas (including nonattainment or maintenance of national ambient air quality standards for a criteria pollutant; Federal Class I areas; or areas with toxic air pollutant concerns);

   III. that receive a disproportionate quantity of air pollution from diesel fleets; including truck stops, ports, rail yards, terminals, and distribution centers; or

IV. that use a community-based multi-stakeholder collaborative process to reduce toxic emissions;

4. Include a certified engine configuration or verified technology that has a long expected useful life;

5. Maximize the useful life of any certified engine configuration of verified technology used or funded by the eligible entity;

6. Conserve diesel fuel; and

7. Utilize ultra low sulfur diesel (15 parts per million of sulfur content) ahead of EPA's mandate (as applicable for non-road projects).