MARCH 2018 • FOGHORN 29 LEGISLATIVEREPORT We NY, too! We NY, too! $75 million; and New Jersey will see $72 million. To see how much your state will receive, go to www.vwenvi- ronmentalmitigationtrust.com/; then click on the “State Trust” box and, at the bottom of the screen, click on the link to the “State Trust Agreement.” A state can choose among a variety of mitigation actions set out in the Trust Agreement. One allowable use is replacement of marine engines on ferry vessels (both publicly and privately owned) and tugs. To be eligible for funding, a ferry vessel must have either unregulated, Tier 1, or Tier 2 marine engines. Engines that are to be replaced must be scrapped. The replacement engines must be either Tier 3 or Tier 4 diesels, alternate- fueled, or all-electric. An existing ferry engine can also be upgraded with an EPA-certified remanufacture systems or an EPA-verified engine upgrade. For a government-owned eligible ferry vessel, the Trust Fund monies can be used for up to 100 percent of the repowering project. For a pri- vately-owned ferry vessel, funds can be used for between 40 to 75 percent of the project, depending upon what type of new power systems is installed. A state can also choose to use some of its Trust Fund allocation to provide the required state “match” for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Engine Reduction Act (DERA) program. Under DERA, privately owned commercial vessels of all types are potentially eligible recipients. The vessel must operate its engine (un- regulated, Tier 1, or Tier 2) at least 1,000 hours per year. DERA monies can cover between 40-60 percent of the project. Before receiving its money, each state must develop and publicize a Beneficiary Mitigation Plan that es- tablishes goals and specific spending plans. It is important for vessel operators in your state to encourage officials to ensure that replacement of marine engines is specially mentioned the Beneficiary Mitigation Plan and that a sufficient amount of the state’s funding is targeted for this purpose. Right now, states are developing their Beneficiary Mitigation Plans. You should determine which state agency is preparing it and provide input into its development. For example, Washington State has proposed to use 45 percent of its allocation for marine purposes, whereas California has proposed to use less than 17 percent. n You can find the lead agency for your state, an individual contact, and the status of the Benefits Mitigation Plan at the following web site: http://vwclearinghouse.org/#settlement_info © 2017 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, ”Caterpillar Yellow,” the ”Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. See our complete offer for ferries and cruise ships at marine.cat.com See the video at storiesfromsea.com PLEASE DO NOT REMAIN SEATED Do not switch of all electronics. Please move around freely. And above all, do not miss the spectacular beauty off the sea. With Cat® high performance engines, the total time of your journey could be the same as flying. Only with better views. And without the leg cramps. cat_ad_ferries.indd 1 08/01/18 22:30