As part of its Smartway Transport Program, the Environmental Protection Agency is awarding up to $5 million in grants toward proposals for initiatives to demonstrate and deploy commercially available technologies to reduce engine idling.

The agency said in a news release that it is requesting proposals for the following kinds of technologies:

• Technologies that small trucking fleets can use to equip trucks they already own;
• Technologies that can be packaged by truck engine manufacturers into an easily used installation kit for aftermarket use; and
• Technologies designed for use by trucks parked at truck stops, terminals, ports and borders.

The deadline for proposal submissions is June 6. The EPA said it expects to award the grants by this fall.

For more information, check out the Web site at www.epa.gov/air/grants/05-09.pdf. For more information on the Smartway Transport Program, go to www.epa.gov/smartway/.