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Diesel Forum Statement on New 2007 Diesel Engine and Fuel Standards

21 December 2000

Diesel Forum Statement on New 2007 Diesel Engine and Fuel Standards

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 "Today's announcement by EPA setting
future diesel engine standards and requiring cleaner diesel fuel is
unprecedented --- both in the levels of reductions in emissions required and
the technical challenges and uncertainty in meeting these new standards," said
Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.
    Starting in 2006, the rule requires cleaner diesel fuel (lower sulfur
content from 500 to 15 ppm) and more stringent engine standards (reducing
particulate matter by 90% and lowering nitrogen oxide emissions) beginning in
2007.
    "For the first time ever, EPA had an opportunity to do the right thing by
bringing cleaner fuel and engine emission standards together in a single
rulemaking. However, there is by no means a universal view that the new 2007
standards-including all of the durability and testing requirements --- can be
met in the time required, and there are also concerns about the availability
of the cleaner fuel," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel
Technology Forum.
    These are unprecedented requirements that anticipate unprecedented
technological innovation for the diesel industry.  Today's heavy-duty diesel
engines emit only one-eighth the levels of nitrogen oxides and particulates
compared to an engine built in 1988. These new requirements come on top of
further reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions that will take place in the
2002-2004 timeframe.
    This rule also creates new opportunities for the existing fleet.  Advances
in catalyst and exhaust filter systems to meet the new standards will allow
some of these technological innovations to be applied to existing vehicles.
The Diesel Technology Forum will continue working with cities, states, user
groups and others to explore ways to reduce emissions from existing diesel
vehicles through retrofit and other programs.  The Forum is serving on the
California Air Resource's Board's International Retrofit Advisory Panel and
working with EPA on a series of retrofit demonstration programs around the
country.
    The diesel industry has annual output of $85 billion a year, according to
a recently-completed study.  Diesel-powered trucks, trains, boats or barges,
move 94 percent of all freight in the US. Diesel power systems that are the
subject of these new requirements power the trucks that are the very
centerpiece of our nation's supply and distribution network.
    From package delivery trucks to tractor-trailers delivering fresh produce
from the fields to neighborhood grocery stores; each day diesel-powered
equipment moves 18 million tons of freight.
    "The future of diesel technology is cleaner fuels, lower emitting engines
and exhaust treatment systems.  Getting there means significant challenges for
all parties -- fuel suppliers, engine manufacturers and the makers of
emissions treatment and filtration technologies," said Schaeffer.
    Innovation and continuous improvement best define today's diesel power
systems.  Today's diesel-powered trucks are meeting the ever-increasing needs
of the customer, while at the same time achieving lower than ever emissions,
higher fuel economy and greater performance, keeping transportation costs low.
    Increasingly it is clear that the inherent benefits of diesel technology
-- efficiency, durability and safety -- have lead to diesel's emergence as
playing a key role in meeting future energy and environmental goals.  From
21st century commercial vehicles, next generation passenger cars, to urban
transit buses, clean diesel is a technology of the future.  Clean diesel gives
more clean air for the dollar.

    Forum members are the nation's most progressive manufacturers and
suppliers of diesel fuels, engines, and components, along with their partners
in finance and business. As leaders in diesel innovation, these companies are
committed to making the investments required to meet this challenge and lower
diesel emissions. The Forum seeks an ongoing dialogue with a wide range of
stakeholders, including the EPA, other government agencies, and other
interested parties, to explore a wide range of opportunities to reduce
emissions from both existing and new diesel engines, while recognizing the
inherent benefits of diesel technology.

    http://www.dieselforum.org