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New Diesel Technology Forum To Work With USEPA On Retrofit Program

23 March 2000

New Diesel Technology Forum To Work With USEPA On Retrofit Program

    WASHINGTON, March 22 The Diesel Technology Forum -- a
newly created group that will focus on a wide range of public issues involving
diesel power technology - said today that it would begin discussions with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on ways to reduce emissions from
several thousand current diesel engines.
    The Forum will champion environmental stewardship, participate in
scientific research and help promote worldwide economic growth by
demonstrating advancing diesel technology.  Finding ways to lower emissions on
existing equipment is an important objective of the Forum.
    Commenting on the formation of the Forum, Glen Barton, Chairman,
Caterpillar Inc. noted: "In the current public debate about the future of
diesel technology and applications, and in response to questions raised about
the appropriate regulatory environment for diesel power, industry's voice and
the user community's voices have not always been heard.  The issues are too
broad for any single company to address, and that is in part why the Forum was
created."
    The Diesel Technology Forum will provide a focal point for the diesel
industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders,
government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum refining industry,
and public health researchers.  The Forum will encourage the exchange of
information, ideas, scientific findings, and points-of-view related to current
and future use of diesel power technology.
    Tim Solso, Chairman and CEO of Cummins Engine Co., Inc., said: "Diesel
power makes significant contributions to the nation's economy.  Through
advancements in technology, diesel power can continue to make these
contributions while further reducing emissions.  This will benefit us all."
    Diesels have long been the clear choice of power in a variety of
applications, including trucking, railroads, marine shipping, emergency
standby power, public safety, public transportation, agriculture, mining,
manufacturing, and the public water supply. In recent years the diesel
industry has introduced a wide range of technologies that have reduced
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions by as much as 70%, and particulate matter (PM)
by as much as 90%.  The Forum will seek ways to build on these achievements
while addressing environmental and health concerns.
    "While the USEPA's retrofit initiative announced today is aimed at
heavy-duty diesel engines, the Forum will also focus on light-duty diesel
engines," said Dennis R. Minano, General Motors vice president and chief
environmental officer.  "Advanced light-duty diesels equipped with new
aftertreatment technologies in combination with cleaner fuels offer
significant advantages in terms of lower emissions, greater fuel economy and
reduced carbon dioxide.  Looking ahead, this represents exciting potential."
    Among the companies participating in the Diesel Technology Forum are:
Caterpillar, Cummins, Delco Remy, Detroit Diesel, Donaldson, Eaton,
ExxonMobil, General Motors, Honeywell Int'l, JCB, and Komatsu.  It is
anticipated that more companies will be joining in the near future.

    ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM

    Leading companies in diesel technology, engine and vehicle manufacturing,
and petroleum refining have created a forum to forge solutions to the public
issues surrounding the use of diesel power.  The Diesel Technology Forum will
address the full range of issues -- environmental, health, technological,
economic and regulatory -- and will seek to include all responsible points of
view.
    Among the companies participating in the Forum are: Caterpillar, Cummins,
Delco Remy, Detroit Diesel, Donaldson, Eaton, ExxonMobil, General Motors,
Honeywell International, JCB, and Komatsu.  The organization is actively
recruiting additional participants to reflect all responsible voices in the
public debate.

    Forum Goals
    --    Promote environmental and product stewardship
    --    Promote scientific research
    --    Help to sustain worldwide economic growth by demonstrating advancing
          diesel technology

    Forum Activities
    The Forum will seek opportunities to:
    --    Identify priorities for scientific research on environmental and
          health issues and participate in that research.
    --    Advise regulatory agencies on innovative ways to increase the use of
          cleaner engines and fuels and improve fuel economy.
    --    Undertake technology demonstration programs and play a leadership
          role in the implementation of new diesel initiatives.
    --    Ensure that all environmental, health, economic and technological
          ramifications of policy options are explored publicly.

    Member Companies - The Diesel Technology Forum
    --    Associates Commercial Corp.
    --    Boley Tool
    --    Caterpillar Inc.
    --    Cummins Engine Co.
    --    Detroit Diesel
    --    Delco Remy
    --    Dupage Precision Products
    --    Donaldson Co.
    --    Eaton Industries
    --    ExxonMobil
    --    General Motors
    --    G.W. Lisk Company
    --    Helio Precision
    --    Honeywell International
    --    JCB
    --    Kemp Manufacturing
    --    Komatsu
    --    Krupp Gerlach Company
    --    L.E. Jones Co.
    --    Metalcraft of Mayville
    --    Morton Metal Craft
    --    Royal Oak Industries
    --    Stahl Specialty
    --    Twin Disc
    --    Wabash Technologies