Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) has received a two-year, $1.675-million grant aimed at significantly reducing the effects of diesel emissions from off-road construction equipment. Funding is through the U.S. EPA’s Region IV office as part of the agency's National Clean Diesel Assistance Program. Companies from small to large—including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, general contracting and others—will benefit.

FRACCA has assembled a coalition of construction-related associations and a group of business partners for the project, targeting off-road diesel-powered construction equipment in Florida, Alabama and Georgia: backhoes, wheel loaders, dozers, excavators, compactors, material handlers, skid steers, concrete pumps and various diesel generators/power units. The Southeast Construction Associations Coalition for Clean Diesel will provide funding and educational support for equipment upgrades and cleaner operations.

The Southeast Construction Associations Coalition for Clean Diesel is an innovative, broad-based collaboration among construction trade associations with support from the Florida Green Building Coalition and state/local environmental offices. Due to the diversity of work performed by the members (plumbing, mechanical, utility, HVAC, commercial building, road/transportation, land clearing) the project will impact a wide range of equipment for emissions reduction. The coalition represents members of:

* Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (Florida RACCA)
* Florida Association Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (Florida Association PHCC)
* Big Bend Contractors Association (BBCA)
* Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida (AGC-GF)
* Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA)
* Alabama Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association (Alabama PHCC)
* Plumbing and Mechanical Association of Georgia (PMA)
* Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA)
* Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Tampa Bay (RACCA of Tampa Bay)
* Florida Green Building Coalition (Florida GBC)
* Pinellas County Environmental Management's Air Quality Division (PCEM's AQ Division)
* Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

For details on the clean diesel rebate program click here to go to the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA).

Applicants must be current members in good standing of one of the member associations of the Southeast Construction Associations Coalition. To become a member of PMA click here.