The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MCDI) 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 National Clean Diesel Campaign and its programs throughout 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. 

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
• IN: Shawn Seals, Indiana Department of Environmental Management; Carl Lisek, South Shore Clean Cities
• MI: Debra Swartz, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Evan Markarian, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision
• MN: Mark Sulzbach, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Bill Droessler, Environmental Initiative
• OH: Carolyn Watkins, Ohio EPA; Joe Koncelik, Franz Ward LLP, Sam Spofforth, Clean Fuels Ohio
• WI: Jessica Lawent, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; John Rodgers, Leonardo Academy
• US EPA Region 5: Anthony Maietta, Frank Acevedo, Carolyn Persoon
• US EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality: Faye Swift, National Clean Diesel Campaign

National Groups: Dawn Fenton, Volvo; Ezra Finkin, Diesel Technology Forum; Antonio Santos, Manufacturer of Emissions Controls Association, Paul Cook, Caterpillar Emissions Solutions

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.

Email Anthony Maietta (maietta.anthony@epa.gov) or call 312-353-8777 for more information about MCDI.