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Diesel Forum Supports New Direction of California Clean Air Initiative

27 September 2000

Diesel Forum Supports New Direction of California Clean Air Initiative for Diesel Engines

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 Calling it a "a major step for clean
air in California," the Diesel Technology Forum today gave its support to the
new policy direction -- the retrofit of diesel engines with new clean
technology -- proposed by the California Air Resources Board for clean diesel
engines for its September 28 meeting in Sacramento.
    "By taking this action, CARB will turn a new page in the history of diesel
power in California," said David Bartlett, spokesman for the Forum.  "This
plan will encourage the deployment of the latest clean diesel retrofit
technology and help reduce pollution from the existing diesel fleet," Bartlett
added.
    The details on technological and economic feasibility still need 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 to the California economy.
    "Forum members -- the manufacturers of diesel engines, fuel systems, and
exhaust after-treatment systems and fuel refiners -- are anxious to help CARB
and California's diesel user community implement a plan that takes full
advantage of modern clean diesel technology to help fight air pollution,"
Bartlett said.
    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 over 12 years ago.
    The Diesel Technology Forum brings together the leading companies in
diesel engine and vehicle manufacturing, petroleum refining, and other
technologies to encourage the exchange of information and points of view about
the full range of diesel power issues.