Diesel Technology Forum Offers to Assist California's New Clean Air Plan

29 September 2000

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 28 The Diesel Technology Forum
today offered to assist the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with
implementation of its clean diesel engine management plan.
    "The clean diesel retrofit plan, expected to be adopted today, recognizes
the enormous importance of diesel to the California economy and takes
advantage of the inherent environmental benefits of modern, clean diesel
technology.  It sets forth a new and viable future for diesel power in
California," said David Bartlett, spokesman for the Forum.
    There are many details on technical and economic feasibility still to be
worked out, but the Forum is optimistic that CARB and key stakeholders will
reach a consensus on a balanced plan that recognizes the vital role of diesel
power in California.
    Nation-wide, diesel power moves 94 percent of all freight; provides
two-thirds of the energy to run the machinery on America's farms; and powers
the majority of the heavy equipment that constructs and repairs our roads,
bridges, and factories.  Diesel provides the power for today's growing
"information economy" from the installation of fiber optic networks, and
back-up power to the telecommunications industry to the ultimate delivery of
e-commerce through the nation's freight network.
    New highway diesel engines powered with today's fuels emit less than
one-eighth the emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates compared to
engines built just a dozen years ago.
    Forum members stand ready to help CARB and the diesel users implement a
balanced plan.  The Diesel Technology Forum is also pleased to have been
invited to serve on CARB's retrofit advisory committee, and will provide
technical, engineering and program support that encourages the deployment of
the latest clean diesel technology as well as the retrofit of the existing
diesel fleet.