WASHINGTON, D.C.--Today, Rep. Ted Poe (TX-02) and Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-06) introduced H.R. 3407, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2017 (DERA). DERA is a voluntary, competitive grant and rebate program to incentivize businesses and public entities to replace and retrofit old diesel engines. This legislation simply reauthorizes the widely-supported program - which came to an end in October 2016 - through 2022. “DERA promotes sound economic and environmental policies, while supporting American jobs”, said Congressman Ted Poe. “Diesel engines play an important role in our nation’s trade and economy by aiding in the transport of goods and supporting jobs throughout Texas and the nation. Despite their reliability and durability, older versions of diesel engines emit significant exhaust. By retrofitting older engines with newer, American-made technology, we can reduce emissions while providing substantial public health benefits and reducing fuel costs for individuals and businesses. Houston is home to one of the largest export ports in the country, the Port of Houston, which has used the DERA program to upgrade its infrastructure. This helps to reduce emissions, improve the air quality of the area, and support Texas jobs.” “DERA has proven to be good for the environment, good for public health, and good for the economy,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “In Sacramento, we have seen the positive benefits of DERA’s investments firsthand. By successfully integrating cleaner, more modern diesel technology into our vehicle fleet, we are reducing damaging emissions and improving the air people breathe. I’m pleased to continue to partner with Congressman Poe on this important bipartisan effort. It’s essential that we extend this program so that local communities can continue to see its benefits.” “It is a strategic objective of the Port of Houston Authority to be an environmental leader, and DERA remains an important component of that effort,” said the Port of Houston Authority. “It has provided the assistance to replace, repower, or retrofit hundreds of diesel engines resulting in hundreds of tons of reduced emissions.” DERA funding has impacted a variety of sectors – including school buses and ports - and supported many clean diesel technologies spurring market innovation.  Each federal dollar invested in DERA has leveraged as much as $3 from other government agencies, private organizations, industry, and nonprofit organizations. DERA has upgraded nearly 73,000 vehicles or pieces of equipment and saved over 450 million gallons of fuel.