Madison, Wisconsin, January 27, 2014 – Leonardo Academy has been awarded $586,698 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help reduce emissions from diesel engines. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is currently one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. Even with EPA's more stringent heavy-duty highway and non-road engine standards set to take effect over the next decade, millions of diesel engines already in use will continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and air toxics, which contribute to serious public health problems. EPA Region 5 and the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative awarded the grant as part of the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.

Leonardo Academy will use the grant for clean diesel projects in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota that will significantly reduce emissions from construction equipment, school buses, and long-haul trucks. Anticipated emission reduction strategies for this project include engine repowers, vehicle replacements, and retrofits. It is estimated that the projects will eliminate over 1,800 tons of carbon dioxide, 250 tons of nitrogen oxides and 5 tons of particulate matter from Midwest air. These strategies will also incorporate alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Propane (LPG) and will reduce fuel usage and maintenance costs which in turn will help with job creation for project participants.

"We are extremely proud to receive this grant and of our partnerships with the EPA, MCDI, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Wisconsin Partners for Clean Air," stated Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy. "Leonardo Academy is dedicated to developing sustainability strategies for companies and organizations that engage progress in environmental and social equity achievements in driving economic success. Leonardo Academy believes that its extensive experience in helping organizations understand, quantify, manage, and report their overall sustainability will help enhance the goals of our partners locally, as well as on a regional and national basis."

Leonardo Academy is also a member of the Wisconsin Clean Diesel Coalition (WCDC). The WCDC is a collaborative of diesel fleets, engine manufacturers, government agencies, and other nonprofit and private stakeholders that have joined efforts to voluntarily explore, develop, and implement mobile diesel emission reduction strategies in Wisconsin. WCDC focuses on educational outreach and development of funding mechanisms to accelerate emission reductions from diesel fleets.

About Leonardo Academy
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of energy and environmental issues and supporting continued environmental improvement. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone. Leonardo Academy provides education, carries out analysis, and develops new approaches to the implementation of public policy that support environmental improvement, increased energy efficiency, and increased use of renewable energy.

We work to develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations, and individuals. We envision a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of future generations.

For more information about Leonardo Academy, visit our website at www.leonardoacademy.org.

About the EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
The Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program (DERA) authorized by Title VII, Subtitle G (Sections 791 to 797) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) enables EPA to offer funding assistance to eligible entities on a competitive basis. Fiscal Year 2008 was the inaugural year of funding for DERA. Approximately 60 assistance agreements totaling over $28 million were awarded nationwide through EPA's FY08 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program's regional competitions.

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law No. 111-05) (Recovery Act) which provided continued funding for DERA. Using the Recovery Act funding for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, EPA issued awards totaling $50 million for projects that demonstrated the ability to be commenced expeditiously, reduce diesel emissions, and maximize job creation and/or preservation and economic recovery through a variety of diesel emission reduction strategies. Specific information on these funded projects can be found at: www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/projects/.

Upcoming Opportunities

Fleets or organizations interested in signing up for future funding opportunities should contact Leonardo Academy as soon as possible. For more information, contact Mary Reames at (608) 280-0255 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .