Diesel Industry Available to Respond to Environmental Activist Claims on Diesel Emissions
Why: The Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is releasing a report today on the perceived health impact of diesel emissions on cities nationwide. A representative of the diesel industry is available to provide context and expert counterpoint for news stories. What: The Diesel Technology Forum is a unique non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic importance and environmental progress of clean diesel technologies. Forum members include engine and vehicle manufacturers; diesel fuel refiners; and emissions control and treatment system manufacturers. Allen Schaeffer is prepared to comment on: * Support for Retrofit -- A key omission from the CATF report is recognition that the diesel industry actually supports many of the group's policy goals -- including a commitment to retrofit older diesel engines. Forum members have worked side-by-side with EPA and states for years to advocate voluntary diesel retrofit programs as a cost-effective way to reduce emissions and help meet clean air standards. More than 160,000 retrofits have occurred thanks to these and other efforts, with many additional projects currently in progress nationwide. * Emissions Testing -- The Forum is the nation's leading advocate of diesel emissions inspection and repair programs at the state level. Presently, 16 states have modern, scientifically based diesel inspection programs that are effective in catching gross emitters. * Emissions Context -- When examined in context of all emissions sources, diesel is a small part of the overall nationwide emissions inventory. See the fact sheet below developed using EPA air quality data for additional information. * Environmental Progress -- The diesel industry has a record of continuous environmental progress and commitment to cleaner air. Today's diesel trucks and buses produce one-eighth the emissions of those manufactured just 15 years ago. By 2007, diesel-powered trucks and buses will emit near-zero emissions. Some categories of off-road equipment have already reduced levels of NOx and particulate emissions by more than 80 percent from 1996 levels; recent standards set for off-road diesel engines will cut emissions from farm and construction equipment by more than 90 percent. The Forum can also recommend independent research experts who can comment on alternative studies examining diesel's role in public health. When: Please call for an interview. Get the Facts: EPA Diesel Emissions Trends How much do various diesel engine sectors really contribute to the emissions inventory? Source Category Criteria Pollutants (measured in thousand short tons) Carbon Oxides of Fine Particulate Monoxide Nitrogen Matter(PM-2.5) Total Diesel Sources 2,229 7,288 323 On Road Diesel Vehicles 1,130 3,904 111 * Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles 1,115 3,891 109 * Light Duty Diesel Trucks 7 6 1 * Light Duty Diesel Vehicles 8 7 1 Non-Road Diesel 895 1,588 159 Marine -- Diesel 105 797 31 Rail 99 999 22 Total All Sources 120,759 22,349 7,380 Diesel as % of all Sources 1.85% 32.61% 4.38% Criteria Pollutants (measured in thousand short tons) Particulate Sulfur Volatile Matter(PM-10) Dioxide Organic Hydro- carbons Total Diesel Sources 359 494 483 On Road Diesel Vehicles 127 73 225 * Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles 125 218 * Light Duty Diesel Trucks 1 4 * Light Duty Diesel Vehicles 1 3 Non-Road Diesel 173 204 194 Marine -- Diesel 34 160 25 Rail 25 57 39 Total All Sources 24,104 15,790 17,963 Diesel as % of all Sources 1.49% 3.13% 2.69%
Table prepared by Diesel Technology Forum (http://www.dieselforum.org/) -- 03-30-04.
(Source: USEPA National Emissions Inventory -- 2003 Average Annual Emissions,
All Criteria Pollutants:
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/trends/trends01/trends2001.pdf)
