Amata Radewagen : Welcomes EPA Grant for Ofu and Olosega

Washington, D.C. - Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed another grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for diesel emission reduction efforts in Ofu and Olosega. Just last week, the EPA directed major grants totaling $10.7 million to American Samoa.

'This federal funding is more good news, this time for Ofu and Olosega, as well as the American Samoa Power Authority,' said Aumua Amata. 'This EPA grant is specified for ongoing clean air projects, and will continue to fund upgrades to new and replacement equipment.'

Congresswoman Amata with EPA Director Scott Pruitt at the U.S. Capitol.

Specifically, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $82,960 in a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant to American Samoa to prevent pollution from large diesel sources, such as trucks, buses, and agriculture equipment. According to the EPA, American Samoa Power Authority will receive $82,960 to help the two islands operate with 100 percent renewable energy. This grant is the second phase of a project that EPA funded in 2015 to replace a diesel-powered stationary generator with a battery storage energy system. This phase includes engine replacements, idle reduction and retrofit technologies to clean up older engines.

'Once again, thank you to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for this ongoing federal support in American Samoa, following a major announcement earlier this month,' continued Congresswoman Amata. 'Also, congratulations to Utu Abe Malae, Executive Director of the American Samoa Power Authority, as the department makes improvements with this grant.'

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