Diesel Forum Praises Massachusetts' New Truck and Bus Exhaust Smoke Testing Program

    BOSTON, Jan. 31 A new Massachusetts truck and bus exhaust
smoke testing program, which begins tomorrow, (2/1/01) has drawn support and
praise from the Washington, DC - based Diesel Technology Forum, according to
executive director Allen Schaeffer, who called the new regulation "a proven
method to help improve air quality within the region."
    "The overwhelming majority of trucks and buses do not smoke," stated
Schaeffer.  "Smoking vehicles are the exception, not the rule.  This program
will require the operators of smoking vehicles take the necessary steps to
eliminate exhaust smoking."
    The regulations require that diesel trucks and buses undergo an annual
smoke emissions inspection in conjunction with their required commercial
vehicle safety checks.
    Excessive smoke is the exception and not the rule.  It means there is a
problem with the operation of the diesel engine-it is out of tune, needs
maintenance, and not operating efficiently -- all which are not good for the
operator.  Smoke represents unburned fuel.  That's operating dollars going
right up the smokestack!  Smoke testing programs are cost effective solutions
that are good for the environment, for regulators, for truck and bus operators
and the public.
    Massachusetts will join twelve other states which currently have programs
to control excessive exhaust smoke.  States adopting these programs can
receive air quality credits toward meeting their clean air goals.  Endorsed by
the Federal EPA, the smoke testing programs have received encouragement and
support from the Diesel Technology Forum.
    "It is important to note that new clean diesel engines, those built since
1994, have been designed to be smoke-free," state Schaeffer.  "Industry has
been working hard to comply with Federal clean air rules with today's modern
diesel releasing only 1/8 of the level of emissions of those manufactured as
recently as 1988."
    The diesel industry supports state-lead efforts to identify gross emitters
of smoke.  It is the Forum's position that buses and trucks should undergo a
smoke emissions inspection on an annual basis -- as passenger cars must -- to
ensure proper maintenance and the lowest emissions possible.  Massachusetts
joins other states that have recently launched these programs including
Maryland and New York.  "The Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection and the Registry of Motor Vehicles can be proud of their effort,"
stated Schaeffer.  "It's a win-win for everyone involved and it is part of the
formula to improve air quality in the region."

    The Diesel Technology Forum brings together the diesel industry, the broad
diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government
regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry, and public health
researches, to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific
findings, and points-of-view to current and future uses of diesel power
technology.  For more information about the Forum, and additional data and
graphics on smoke testing, visit our web site at http://www.dieselforum.org.