Engine Manufacturers Challenge STAPPA/ALAPCO Report

21 March 2000

Engine Manufacturers Challenge STAPPA/ALAPCO Report: Too Many Judges, Not Enough Evidence

    CHICAGO--March 21, 2000--The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) supports the introduction of clean diesel fuels to enable further reductions in emissions, but disagrees with the methods of STAPPA/ALAPCO to achieve this goal by publishing a misleading report. "The report, entitled 'Cancer Risk from Diesel Particulate: National and Metropolitan Area Estimates for the United States,' falls short of being a scientific authority on the issues," claimed Glenn Keller, EMA Executive Director. "It also includes misleading statements that may be interpreted as exaggerations."
    The MATES II study on which the STAPPA/ALAPCO calculations were based has been the subject of considerable controversy and discussion. "There has been no shortage of 'diesel experts' giving opinions to the media on the alleged health effects of exposure to diesel particles," said Keller. "Yet the nation's leading authorities, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health Effects Institute, have not found sufficient evidence to establish a credible calculation of risk associated with human exposure to diesel exhaust."
    EMA feels the STAPPA/ALAPCO report linking diesel exhaust and cancer risks does not constructively contribute to the on-going health discussion, and serves to mislead the public on this important and highly complex issue.
    The diesel engine industry has already reduced emissions by over 80 percent from non-regulated levels and has been producing smokeless engines for several years. "In addition, we have been the leader in urging the EPA to mandate the sulfur reduction in fuels to maximize our emissions reduction capabilities," added Keller. "But technologies alone won't get us there--we need ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel too."

    EMA is a trade association representing worldwide manufacturers of internal combustion engines for all applications except passenger cars and aircraft. EMA continues to work with government and industry stakeholders to help the nation achieve its goals of cleaner fuels, more efficient engines and cleaner air. For more information, contact Anne Rukavina at (312) 644-6610 x3393 or visit our Web site at www.engine-manufacturers.org