Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative

The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative is a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies, along with communities, non-profit organizations and private companies all working together to make a visible difference in our communities by reducing exposure to emissions from diesel engines and equipment. MCDI addresses diesel engines and equipment owned and operated in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin through:

• installation of EPA- and CARB-verified clean diesel technologies,
• replacement of old engines and equipment with newer and cleaner EPA-certified versions,
• installation of idle-reduction technologies such as auxiliary power units, heating/cooling systems, and shore power,
• use of clean diesel language in contracts, policies, and ordinances,
• implementation of efficiency-improving operational techniques for fleets and centers of high diesel engine activity (rail yards, warehouses, intermodal terminals, fleet garages, etc.)
• promotion of funding opportunities for clean diesel actions from EPA, or other federal, state, and local sources
• educating partners and the public about the dangers of exposure to diesel emissions and the actions that can be taken to reduce exposure to diesel emissions

Since 2008, MCDI has implemented the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act campaign's funding opportunities in EPA Region 5. With a renewed focus on goods movement and working with communities, MCDI will continue our work to reduce diesel emissions across the Midwest. In 2022, MCDI expanded it's communications group to include a Region 5 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean School Bus Program Working Group.

Our Structure

MCDI's Steering Committee is comprised of State, National, and other organizations that meet regularly to discuss emerging and evolving issues, determine overall MCDI goals, and to augment State Coalition clean diesel actions. The MCDI Steering Committee is comprised of the following members from each State Coalition:

• IL: Darwin Burkhart, Illinois EPA; Brian Urbaszewski, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago; Samantha Bingham, City of Chicago; Susan Mudd, Environmental Law & Policy Center
• IN: Shawn Seals, Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Carl Lisek, Drive Clean Indiana
• MI: Maggie Striz-Calnin, Michigan Clean Cities
• MN: Rocky Sisk, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Bill Droessler, Environmental Initiative
• OH: Alauddin Alauddin, Ohio EPA
• WI: Emma Cleveland, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; John Rodgers, Milwaukee County
• US EPA Region 5: Anthony Maietta, Frank Acevedo, Lisa Holscher
• US EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Funding: Stephanie Watson

National Groups:

• American Lung Association
• Volvo
• Diesel Technology Forum
• Manufacturer of Emissions Controls Association
• Cummins
• Caterpillar Emissions Solutions
• MTU America

Each of MCDI's six State Clean Diesel Coalitions are encouraged and supported through MCDI. State coalitions create the forums to connect interested fleets with technology information and funding opportunities. They can also work together to institute policies and practices. MCDI supports the development of state coalitions though technical assistance and project funds.

Each state has varied priorities and opportunities to reduce diesel emissions. These can range from geographic areas to target, sectors areas of focus, or opportunities for funding at the state and local level. Representatives from each of the State Clean Diesel Coalitions serve on the MCDI Steering Committee.

Coalitions are encouraged and supported through MCDI. State coalitions create the forums to connect interested fleets with technology information and funding opportunities. They can also work together to institute policies and practices. MCDI supports the development of state coalitions though technical assistance and project funds.