According to the Utah Division of Air Quality, $750,000 was given to the department in order to help upgrade farm equipment along the Wasatch Front. More than a dozen operators have benefitted from the funds, which they have used to buy the new farm equipment.
"This grant has provided a great opportunity to partner with our agriculture community to help reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality," said Amanda Smith, executive director of the DEQ.
So far, around 11 tractors have been replaced through the funds, which were provided by the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Diesel Agriculture Project. It has also led to 16 new engines in Utah and 23 new auxiliary power units for pieces of farm equipment.
Funds from the government have done more than just replace farm equipment. Farmers facing falling dairy prices have been helped by government money. Others have been aided through emergency loans after a growing season that saw droughts in some parts of the country while others saw heavy rain.
