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Engine Manufacturers Applaud EPA Fuel Changes

22 December 2000

Engine Manufacturers Applaud EPA Fuel Changes; Call EPA'S Final 2007 Diesel Engine Standards Challenging

    CHICAGO--Dec. 21, 2000--The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed the most challenging set of emission requirements to date for the diesel engine industry. The new requirements, effective with the 2007 model year, are in addition to the 2004 model year reductions mandated in a rule just finalized by EPA two months ago. "We applaud EPA for reducing fuel sulfur and for adopting a systems approach in reducing emissions", said Jed Mandel, General Counsel for the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). "With this final rule, the Agency recognizes the balance between ultra-low sulfur fuel, engine controls and aftertreatment systems that can produce even cleaner diesel technology."
    The final ruling, which mandates cleaner diesel fuel and an additional 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions beginning in 2007 represents a milestone for EPA. Mandel emphasized that the nationwide availability and use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel is a prerequisite to engine makers ability to introduce the advanced aftertreatment devices needed to achieve EPA's emission goals. Engine manufacturers will use new aftertreatment technologies to achieve both NOx and PM reductions.
    EMA, however, expressed concern that the final rule may not provide the flexibility needed to assure a technologically feasible and cost effective program. "The levels of emission reduction that the rule requires and the technical challenges that manufacturers need to overcome are unprecedented," said Mandel.
    Nevertheless, Mandel stressed that the engine industry remains committed to developing the technologies to meet these standards. "Our ability to achieve these unprecedented emission reductions is by no means a certainty. The state-of-the-science for reducing NOx and PM emissions is not currently mature enough to achieve the EPA standards, but we're working diligently with technology suppliers and making a serious investment to get there as quickly as we can."