Leonardo Academy Supports Foreman Brother’s, Inc. Clean Diesel Projects

MADISON, Wis., May 3, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Foreman Brothers, Inc. recently completed the diesel emissions reduction improvements of eight trucks supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2015-2016 Region 5 Grant.  The grant was facilitated by Leonardo Academy, The Sustainability Experts®, a Wisconsin nonprofit organization and staunch supporter of Clean Diesel improvement projects.

Specifically, Leonardo Academy facilitated funding to replace eight, Class 8 conventional trucks with eight, 2016 Class 8 Clean Diesel Trucks in Michigan. As a result of the improvements, approximately 534 tons of carbon dioxide, 20 tons of nitrogen oxide, and 1 ton of particulate emissions will be reduced.

According to Michael Arny, President and Founder of Leonardo Academy, “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 toxins, which contribute to serious public health problems. This EPA grant program provides great incentives that accelerate the reduction of emissions from existing diesel engines.”

Foreman Brothers, Inc. is a family owned and operated company providing transportation and networking solutions to the United States Postal Service. “We are extremely proud to receive this grant and to use it to support our truck upgrade project.” explained Jason Foreman, General Manager for the Detroit-based company. “We are committed to operating more sustainably—for customers, the environment and communities we serve.”

Leonardo Academy will continue to use the grant for clean diesel projects in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin that significantly reduce emissions from construction equipment, refuse haulers, school buses, and long-haul trucks. Anticipated emission reduction strategies for this project include engine repowers and idle reduction technologies. It is estimated that the projects will reduce harmful emissions. These strategies will also reduce fuel usage and maintenance costs, which in turn will help with job creation for project participants.

Locally, Leonardo Academy is 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.

Leonardo Academy encourages all owners of trucks, fueling stations, agricultural equipment with engines and construction equipment with engines to contact Leonardo Academy so they can work to include you in future grants to upgrade equipment and engines to reduce emissions. 

Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Public and private organizations owning diesel fleets and equipment (Transportation, Fueling stations, agriculture and construction) are invited to sign up to be considered for inclusion in Leonardo Academy proposals for future funding opportunities.  Please contact Maren Meyers at Tel: (608) 280-0255 or email: maren@leonardoacademy.org.