Air Quality Objectives for the Baton Rouge Ozone Nonattainment Area Not Met Under EPA Agreement 2A-96694301 Awarded to the Railroad Research Foundation - U S Environmental Protection Agency - Bog

Emissions from diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and allergies, and can worsen heart and lung disease, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. These emissions can also damage plants, animals, crops, and water resources. Under the authority of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded almost $3 million to the Railroad Research Foundation to reduce diesel emissions by repowering five locomotives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, an ozone nonattainment area. Our objective was to determine whether the Railroad Research Foundation used these funds to fulfill its obligations under the terms of the agreement and applicable laws and regulations.