EPA Provides $1.35M to Improve Air Quality in Massachusetts with Clean Diesel Projects

(Boston, Mass. – Feb. 26, 2009) – Significant funding is being delivered to several Massachusetts projects that will help improve air quality in the Commonwealth.

In a ceremony at the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) Boston Fish Pier, EPA announced more than $1.35 million in funding to help reduce pollution from diesel vehicles and equipment operating in New England. The grants are being issued to three Massachusetts-based organizations, and were made available by EPA through the 2008 Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) Emissions Reduction Grant Program.

The funding announced by EPA is going to: Massport ($400,000) to install dockside power stations at the Boston Fish Pier; Environmental Defense Fund ($400,000) to introduce hybrid trucks to New England fleets; and Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) ($535,250) to retrofit regional locomotives.

"Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality and help people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory problems,” said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator of EPA's New England Office. “These projects will help bring cleaner air to Massachusetts citizens.”

Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravating heart or lung disease. People with existing heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, and children are most sensitive to the health effects of fine particles. The Northeast has some of the highest asthma rates in the nation, including a childhood asthma rate above 10 percent in all six New England states. Lifetime asthma rates in children in Massachusetts are estimated at 14.6 percent.

“The MassCleanDiesel program aims to reduce the adverse health effects of diesel pollution on our residents. Emissions from thousands of school and transit buses, and off-road construction vehicles are now being cleaned up,” said Laurie Burt, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). “The EPA grants will add to the Commonwealth’s efforts to retrofit locomotive diesel engines and support clean hybrid technologies for diesel trucks.” The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will receive $400,000 through the NEDC Emission Reduction Grant Program to install dock-side power at the Boston Fish Pier. “Shore power” allows vessels to “plug in” to an electrical power source instead of using diesel generators while at the berth. Currently, shore power is available to only four vessels when docked at the Fish Pier. More than a dozen vessels regularly dock there, and need to run their diesel generators many hours per day to supply power for off-loading, maintenance and essential on-board systems. The project is expected to reduce diesel generator "idling" by 95 percent. In addition, the fuel and cost-savings data yielded by this project will be important in helping other fishing ports in the Northeast decide whether and how to undertake similar improvements.

"We are pleased to partner with the EPA on this program that will reduce the impact of our port operations and help us be more environmentally friendly," said Michael A. Leone, Massport’s Port Director. "The grant will significantly reduce diesel emissions, and allow fishermen to conduct their business in a more energy efficient and cost effective manner."

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) will receive $400,000 and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) will receive $535,250 for projects that reduce diesel emissions. EDF will use funds to establish the Northeast Hybrid Truck Consortium. Through the Consortium, EDF will work with communities and organizations in all six New England states to replace at least twelve pre-2007 heavy-duty diesel vehicles with hybrid versions. EPA funds will pay for up to 25 percent of the cost of the new vehicle.

"Together, Environmental Defense Fund, NESCAUM, EPA and MassDEP are jump-starting the hybrid truck market in New England," said Gwen Ruta, vice president at Environmental Defense Fund. "In tough economic times, these clean, fuel-sipping trucks make sense for our lungs, for the climate, and for our wallets."

The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), in partnership with the Providence & Worcester (P&W) Railroad, will install auxiliary power units on 17 locomotives built between 1969 and 1988. Installation of these units will reduce unnecessary idling which will lessen the amount of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released into the air. Reducing fuel consumption will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,700 tons per year. In addition, P&W Railroad will continue to fuel their locomotives with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel ahead of the 2012 mandate, further reducing harmful emissions.

“The Providence and Worcester Railroad is a significant regional freight rail line with operations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. As such, a diesel emissions reduction project involving P&W has long been a top priority for the Northeast Diesel Collaborative,” said Paul Miller, Deputy Director of Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. “We are very pleased that EPA has seen fit to fund this particular project.”

Today’s announcement is part of nearly $2 million in grant funds being awarded in New England by the EPA through the 2008 NEDC Emissions Reduction Grant program.

The recent passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) makes available an additional $300 million nationwide under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program for grants and loans to help regional, state and local governments, tribal agencies, and non-profit organizations with projects that reduce diesel emissions and create jobs. A Request for Applications will be issued in the coming weeks. ARRA gives preference to projects that can be started and completed expeditiously. Prospective grant applicants can begin preparations now for the upcoming competitions.

NEDC is a partnership of public and private organizations working to improve air quality by taking action to reduce diesel pollution. The NEDC was established in 2005 by Regions 1 and 2 of the U.S. EPA, NESCAUM and the states and territories of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Puerto Rico joined in 2007 and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2008.

For more information:

Northeast Diesel Collaborative - http://www.northeastdiesel.org/

EPA Diesel in New England information - www.epa.gov/region1/eco/diesel/index.html

National EPA Clean Diesel Campaign - www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/grantfund.htm

Diesel Retrofits Funded in Economic Stimulus Bills

Clean Diesel Technology Brings Economic and Environmental Benefits; Webinar Scheduled February 12, 2009

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Congress crafts the final text of its economic stimulus package, diesel vehicle and equipment owners are anticipating the benefits of upgraded equipment and cleaner air thanks to the inclusion of $300 million in funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) in both the House and Senate versions of the bill.

“This funding will bring immediate benefits to the economy by supporting jobs while simultaneously improving air quality – a winning solution for all Americans,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Modernizing and upgrading existing diesel engines and equipment is one of the most proven and cost-effective uses of public funds,” Schaeffer added. “From manufacturers to equipment dealers and service technicians, the diesel industry is gearing up to produce and install this equipment to make older equipment run cleaner.”

In anticipation of the passage of the economic stimulus package, the Diesel Technology Forum is offering a webinar on the DERA program Thursday, February 12 on “How to Prepare a Competitive Application”. EPA representatives will discuss how proposals are evaluated and two previous award winners will provide case studies of their experiences. A recorded version of the webinar and all presentations will be posted on the DTF website for those unable to participate. Visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselforum.org%2Fwebinars&esheet=5894095&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dieselforum.org%2Fwebinars&index=1 to register, and for more information.

According to independent research done by Keybridge Associates, DERA is likely to generate approximately $6 of increased economic output for every $1 of federal funding. This economic impact is likely to be greatest in the auto parts manufacturing and heavy-duty truck manufacturing sectors, which have sustained job losses at nearly 9 and 7 times the national rate respectively.

Last month more than 300 industry, environmental and governmental organizations signed a letter to congressional leaders requesting funding for DERA, citing more than $116 million in unfunded projects after the program’s first year. The program also enjoys support from both Republicans and Democrats, as evidenced by its original passage by a vote of 92 to 1 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

To date only $49.2 million has been provided for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. This additional $300 million will substantially help reduce emissions from the nation’s estimated 11 million diesel engines. DERA was originally enacted as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and authorized for $1 billion over five years.

DERA funds can be awarded for any one of the five options available to reduce emissions, also known as the 5 Rs: refuel (using cleaner diesel fuel); rebuild (engine upgrades); repower (new engine); replace (new equipment); and retrofit (emission filters/catalysts). These solutions can be applied to both on-road and off-road diesel vehicles and equipment.

“From California to Connecticut, from school buses to skid steer loaders, our members have national experience with retrofitting a wide variety of engines, vehicles and equipment,” said Schaeffer. “Clean diesel technology provides efficient, clean power affecting virtually all sectors of the economy and all communities across the country.”

EPA Soot List

100 million people living in 46 metropolitan areas are breathing air containing unsafe levels of soot and are in violation of EPA’s fine-particle pollution limits.

On December 22nd, the EPA notified 25 governors and 23 tribal leaders that 211 counties in 25 states did not meet federal pollution standards. 15 new cities and 54 additional counties have been added to the updated “Soot List”.

The EPA reviewed recommendations from states and tribes along with public comments before making its decision to designate counties and parts of counties as not meeting EPA’s PM 2.5 standards. These areas, known as nonattainment areas, include counties with monitors violating the standards and nearby areas that contribute to that violation. Affected states and tribes will be required to take steps to reduce the pollution that forms fine particles. The vast majority of U.S. counties and tribal lands currently meet standards, but will need to continue working to maintain clean air.

New cities include on this year’s list are:
Fairbanks and Juneau, Alaska
Nogales, Arizona
Pinehurst, Idaho
Davenport and Muscatine, Iowa
Klamath and Oakridge, Oregon
Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah
Seattle, Washington
Green Bay, Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Logan, Utah

Many states west of the Rockies have nonattainment regions that exceed federal air pollution levels. They include counties in Utah, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California and Alaska.

In California, all or part of 30 counties have been put on notice to clean up their air. The Bay Area has exceeded acceptable levels of particulate matter five times in the past 2 months and received 32 warning letters.

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, 10 areas are not compliant, including the city of Pittsburgh.

Chicago along with 6 Illinois counties are included on the Soot List.

In 2006, EPA strengthened the 24-hour fine particle standards from 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air to protect public health. Nationwide, monitored levels of fine particle pollution fell 11 percent from 2000 to 2007. Fine particles can either be emitted directly, or they can form in the atmosphere from reactions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Exposure to fine particle pollution can cause a number of serious health problems including aggravated asthma, increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits for respiratory and cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and premature death.

According to the EPA, nonattainment areas must develop a plan to clean the air by 2012 and have that plan in place by 2014.

See the Source:

EPA Soot List – Area Designations for 2006 24-Hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) Standards
State Designations by Region

Find out about:

Diesel Particulate Filters to reduce particulate matter from diesel engines

ARB Adopts Landmark Rules to Clean Up Pollution from Trucks

The Air Resources Board today adopted two critical regulations directly aimed at cleaning up harmful emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California. Beginning January 1, 2011, the Statewide Truck and Bus rule will require truck owners to install diesel exhaust filters on their rigs, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014.

Owners must also replace engines older than the 2010 model year according to a staggered implementation schedule that extends from 2012 to 2022.

Also adopted today, the Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction measure requires long-haul truckers to install fuel efficient tires and aerodynamic devices on their trailers that lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

"Today's vote marks a milestone in the history of California's air quality," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "The Board's actions will not only help protect the health of 38 million Californians, they will also ensure that California continues strongly on its path to achieving clean air. And in light of today's extremely challenging financial climate, I am also pleased to say that the Governor, legislature and voters have made available more than one billion dollars in grants and loan programs to help truckers and business owners comply with this vital public health measure.

"Heavy-duty big rigs are the largest remaining source of unregulated diesel emissions, responsible for 32 percent of the smog-forming emissions and nearly 40 percent of the cancer-causing emissions from diesel mobile sources (other diesel emitters include trains, off-road vehicles and marine engines).

The greenhouse gas reduction measure applies to more than 500,000 trailers, while the diesel regulation applies to about 400,000 heavy duty vehicles that are registered in the state, and about 500,000 out-of-state vehicles that do business in California.

However, because many heavy duty vehicles are replaced or retired due to normal business practices on a faster schedule than what the new regulation will require, the number of vehicles expected to be retrofit by 2014 under the rule is about 230,000, while up to 350,000 vehicles would be replaced earlier than normal over the next 15 years.

To help truck owners upgrade their vehicles, the state is offering more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities.

Options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule. In addition, ARB is evaluating ways to integrate these programs so that truckers can get a grant and a loan at the same time, minimizing paperwork and significantly reducing the monthly payments for a new truck loan.

To provide flexibility, the diesel regulation is structured so that owners can choose from among three compliance options to meet regulation requirements. There are exceptions to the regulation, including low-use vehicles, emergency and military vehicles, and personal use motor homes. School buses would be subject only to requirements for reducing diesel particulate matter and not for engine replacement.

California has the nation's most polluted air. Because of new engine standards established in 2001, diesel engines operating in California have been getting cleaner, but they are not getting clean fast enough to meet air quality goals. With the new State Bus and Truck rule in place, by 2014, diesel emissions will be 68 percent lower than they would be without the regulation, while emissions of the smog-forming pollutant NOx (oxides of nitrogen) will be 25 percent lower.

Diesel emissions are associated with cancer and exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as do smog-forming emissions. The truck regulation is expected to save 9,400 lives between 2011 and 2025, and greatly reduce health care costs.

These benefits have an estimated value of $48 billion to $69 billion. The cost of installing the trailer greenhouse-gas-reducing technologies will be quickly recouped through lower fuel use.ARB staff held dozens of workshops and met with hundreds of business owners and other stakeholders over the last 20 months.

Without the diesel regulation, California will not be able to meet U.S. EPA-mandated air quality standards and deadlines, and could subsequently lose billions of dollars in federal highway funding.To reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality and public health, the ARB adopted a Diesel Risk Reduction Plan in 2000 and has already passed regulations addressing urban buses, garbage trucks, school bus and truck idling, stationary engines, transport refrigeration units, cargo handling equipment at ports and rail yards, off-road vehicles, port trucks and other sources.

Statewide Bus and Truck Regulation:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/truckbus08/truckbus08.htm

Heavy Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure:

http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/ghghdv08/ghghdv08.htm

Updates Posted by ARB for Truck and Bus Regulations

New updates have been posted on the California Air Resources Board website for the On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles (In-Use) Regulation.

Proposed Truck and Bus Regulation Related Fact Sheet - Click here.

Proposed 15-Day Changes to the Proposed Truck and Bus Regulation and Other Existing Regulations. Click here for regulations for In-Use On-Road Diesel Vehicles. Click here for changes to existing diesel regulations.

Revised Fleet Calculator - an Excel file designed to assist fleet owners in determining compliance with the requirements of the proposed regulation. The Calculator allows fleets to evaluate different replacement, repower, and retrofit strategies to evaluate various compliance options available under the proposed in-use on-road diesel vehicle regulation. Click here.

Ships Off California's Coast Must Adhere to World's Strictest Diesel Emission Regulation

Requirement will prevent hundreds of premature deaths annually

Today the California Air Resources Board adopted a regulation that eliminates 15 tons of diesel exhaust daily from ocean-going vessels, substantially reducing the cancer rates and premature deaths associated with living near seaports and trade corridors along California's coast.

The new measure requires ocean-going vessels within 24 nautical miles of California's coastline to use lower-sulfur marine distillates in their main and auxiliary engines and auxiliary boilers, rather than the dirtier heavy-fuel oil called bunker fuel. About 2,000 ocean-going vessels visiting California ports annually are subject to this restriction.

"This regulation will save lives," said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols. "At ports and all along the California coast we will see cleaner air and better health."

The regulation will be implemented in two steps, each requiring lower sulfur content in the fuel- first in 2009 and final in 2012. Both U.S.-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels are subject to the regulation which is the most stringent and comprehensive requirement for marine fuel-use in the world.

Using the cleaner fuels required in 2009 will result in immediate and significant reductions in the emissions from ocean-going vessels. Reductions will increase as the fuel sulfur content is progressively lowered through the regulation's phase-in. In 2009 about a 75% percent of the diesel PM, over 80% of the sulfur oxides and 6 percent of the nitrogen oxides will be eliminated. In 2012, when the very low sulfur fuel requirement is implemented, reductions of diesel particulate matter will be 15 tons daily, an 83 percent reduction compared to uncontrolled emissions. Sulfur oxides will be reduced by 140 tons daily, a 95 percent reduction and nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 11 tons per day, a 6 percent reduction.

An estimated 3,600 premature deaths between 2009 and 2015 will be avoided, and the cancer risk associated with the emissions from these vessels would be reduced by over 80 percent. In addition, the measure will aid the South Coast Air Quality Management District meet its federal clean air requirements for fine particulate matter by 2014 and move California closer to its goal of reducing diesel particulate matter 85 percent by 2020.

Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. Currently in California, diesel PM emissions from ocean-going vessels expose more than twenty-seven million people or 80% of California's total population, to cancer risk levels at or above 10 chances in a million.

This fall the ARB will consider further measures to reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks. Over the past 10 years ARB has adopted regulations affecting cargo-handling equipment, transport refrigeration units, truck idling, off-road equipment, harbor craft, port drayage trucks, onboard incineration, and ships at-berth. ARB's cleaner fuel requirements for on-road diesel trucks, railroad and ship engines have reduced pollution around rail yards and ports.

See the Source:
Map of current ship emission impacts on California
New regulation covering vessels
Information on ARB's efforts to address diesel emissions

Find out:

More about diesel particulate filters

ARB Receives Additional Funding to Clean Up State Trucks and Buses

Diesel emissions from freeway trucks are major contributors to poor air quality

The Governor's revised May budget has allocated an additional $48 million to the Air Resources Board to help low-income truckers comply with regulations aimed at cleaning up diesel emissions from trucks and buses.

The funds from AB118 will combine with previously allocated Proposition 1B funding to help truckers pay for the engine retrofits and replacements that will be required beginning in 2010 after ARB approves in October the country's first regulation aimed at cleaning an estimated 420,000 trucks and buses registered in California as well as those coming in from other states. ARB will work with the Treasurers Office to use the 118 funds to facilitate low interest loans to help truckers install soot filtration devices or completely replace older, dirtier engines.

Funds will also be used to help truckers add devices such as side skirts and wider tires that reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of trailers, which save fuel and thus lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

"This money will help truckers in the state, many of whom are struggling financially, to retrofit and replace engines to help all of us breathe easier," said ARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "We appreciate the Governor's and Legislature's support on this crucial public health issue."

"Sierra Club California supports the administration's proposal to use $50 million in available air-quality funds for loans to help low-income truckers achieve early compliance with upcoming requirements to reduce toxic diesel emissions," said Bill Magavern, director of Sierra Club California. "This proposal provides a creative solution that will benefit Californians' health and our economy."

"The American Lung Association of California is extremely concerned about the serious health risks posed by diesel trucks and buses and supports the Administration's proposal to allocate existing air quality funds for grants and loans to assist in modernizing these vehicles to reduce toxic emissions," said Bonnie Holmes-Gen, senior policy director for the American Lung Association of California. "Diesel trucks and buses are the largest source of cancer causing soot in the state and we strongly support investing state funds to achieve early compliance with state pollution control regulations."

ARB's draft regulation addresses the largest unregulated source of diesel emissions in the state. In the absence of the regulation, ARB staff currently estimates 11,000 premature deaths from diesel truck emissions between 2010 and 2020. The total economic value of eliminating this impact is $70 to 89 billion.

The regulation is projected to cost the trucking industry somewhere between $3.6 to $5.5 billion from 2010 to 2021, which ARB staff estimates will add less than a penny apiece to products hauled by these trucks that people buy, ranging from athletic shoes to television sets.

Staff re-worked an earlier version of the draft regulation to eliminate the need for truckers to replace trucks twice, instead relying more heavily on retrofits for the first two years of the regulation. The revised proposal has a lower cost while preserving important public health benefits. The proposed regulation now calls for truckers to retrofit pre-2007 model year trucks with soot filters and then requires a gradual modernization of trucks beginning in 2012, so that ultimately all trucks are the cleanest, 2010 or newer models.

Emissions from diesel particulate matter are associated with causing a variety of health effects including premature death and a number of heart and lung diseases.

See the Source:

ARB

air pollution
diesel emissions

Virginia Schools Receive Grant to Reduce Diesel Pollution

In the next year, students who ride buses from the Virginia Middle Peninsula schools will be breathing cleaner air, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce pollution in diesel-powered school buses.

EPA's Clean School Bus USA program awarded $143,068 to Hampton Roads Clean Cities to work with several Middle Peninsula school districts to retrofit over 100 school buses. The average bus ride for students benefitting from this project is an hour or more. The new pollution-control equipment, coupled with the use of cleaner burning fuel and the encouragement of less engine idling of school buses, will substantially reduce soot and exhaust pollutants.

"Breathing diesel exhaust can be harmful, especially for children with asthma," said Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh. "We're pleased that Hampton Roads Clean Cities is taking action so students can breathe cleaner air and live healthier lives.”

The grant will be used by the school districts to install diesel oxidation catalysts on 100 buses, switch to cleaner burning fuel for 198 buses, promote reduced engine idling and purchase one new clean alternative propane-powered bus. The retrofit equipment in combination with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel can reduce pollution emissions from the diesel buses by 60 to 90 percent.

“In addition to obvious clean air and health benefits, the Clean School Bus award supports or complements many components of the effort to preserve the sensitive Dragon Run watershed in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula,” said Al Christopher, Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities.

In April 2003, EPA launched its Clean School Bus USA program to help reduce children’s exposure to diesel exhaust. The particles in diesel exhaust can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose health risks including aggravating asthma symptoms. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of diesel emissions and air pollution because their respiratory systems are still developing and they have a faster breathing rate.

See the Source:
EPA - Funding for clean diesel projects

Find out:
How to reduce diesel pollution using diesel particulate filters

air pollution
diesel pollution

ARB approves $200 million for Cleaner School Buses from Proposition 1B Funding

Program will reduce exposure of children to pollution from high emitting buses

The Air Resources Board approved today the allocation of nearly $200 million to replace the remaining 74 oldest school buses still circulating in California, and to replace or retrofit an additional 4,500 high polluting buses serving public schools.

Proposition 1B, approved by voters in 2006, provides funding for the ARB Lower-Emission School Bus Program. These monies will allow school districts to replace or retrofit diesel school buses in another effort to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions in California. Since established in 2000, the program has provided over $100 million to replace 600 school buses and retrofit another 3,800 vehicles.

"I can't even begin to describe the significant health benefits that this program will bring into California and particularly for our most precious sector of the population, our children," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "The additional funding originated by Proposition 1B will be well put to work by providing safe and clean transportation to public schools throughout the state, creating a much healthier environment for everyone."

As approved by ARB, this year's allocation of nearly $200 million will be distributed among the local air districts as
follows:

Local Air Basin Allocation* (in millions)
South Coast $70
Ventura $5
San Diego $5.6
Monterey $7
Bay Area $8.4
Sacramento $9
San Joaquin Valley $39
Other air districts $47
* Allocations have been rounded. Program administration and outreach costs are not included.

The Lower-Emission School Bus Program will cover the cost to replace all 74 still-in-service pre-1977 buses and approximately one thousand 1977-1986 buses. Those replaced buses must be scrapped to comply with established guidelines. Finally, the full cost of about 3,500 retrofits will be paid under this program. Retrofits provide the greatest health benefit in emission reductions per dollar spent.

A 2003 study sponsored by the ARB confirmed that children can be exposed to harmful diesel emissions from the buses they ride to and from school. The same study also stated that exposure to that pollution is worse in pre-1987 vehicles, which have deteriorating engines as well as interior cabins that allow toxic emissions into the bus.

The goal of the program is to reduce the exposure of school children to both cancer-causing and smog-forming pollution by reducing diesel particulate matter emissions from school buses.
With the replacement and retrofitting of the vehicles funded by the Lower-Emission School Bus Program, the reductions estimated through 2020 are 3,000 tons of oxides of nitrogen, 200 tons of diesel particulate matter and 22,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

See the Source:

ARB Lower-Emission School Bus Program

Find out:

See animation showing how diesel particulate filters get rid of toxic diesel emissions

air pollution
diesel pollution

TERP Awards Over $1.7 Million to Help Clean the Air

Texas has awarded over $1.7 million in rebates to eight North Texas-based companies to replace 19 aging diesel vehicles under the Texas Emissions Reduction Program (TERP). By upgrading to newer, less polluting vehicles these companies will prevent a combined total of 179 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from polluting North Texas skies.

"By participating in TERP these companies are helping us to achieve our goal of replacing 4,500 older diesel engines," said Leslie Rauscher, EPA Project Manager. "TERP can assist local businesses stay competitive while helping clean up the air.”

The $30 million allocated to the rebate grants under this funding cycle has been awarded, but there is still time to apply for the Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants (ERIG) with $110 million to award. The application deadline is April 11, 2008. Individual application assistance is available at local TERP Community Help Desks. For information visit http://www.terpgrants.org/ or call (800) 919-8377.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and a host of other North Texas partners to upgrade or replace older trucks and equipment as a way to improve air quality in the nine county area. The Texas Emissions Reduction Program, approved by the Texas Legislature, serves as a national model for replacing and retrofitting older diesel engines. The TCEQ manages the TERP program.

See the Source:
EPA Region 6

diesel pollution

$5.4 Million Available to Cut Diesel Pollution in Northeast and Caribbean

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making nearly $5.4 million in grants available for clean diesel projects under the 2008 Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) program to reduce harmful diesel pollution. Projects may include a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as add-on emission control retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use; engine repowers; engine upgrades; vehicle or equipment replacement; and the creation of innovative finance programs to fund diesel emissions reduction projects. All projects must benefit the air quality in the geographic areas that include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Vermont; and Tribal lands belonging to the federally recognized Indian tribes in these regions. The deadline for applying is June 12, 2008.

“Reducing the emissions of particle pollution is a crucial component of EPA’s strategy for cleaner air and healthier Americans,” said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. “These funds allow us to complement regulatory efforts, like our new rule to dramatically reduce emissions from diesel powered locomotives and marine engines, announced last week. The Northeast Diesel Collaborative is part of EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign, which includes the grant program announced today and works to clean up diesels that are already on our roads and rails, at our construction sites and in our harbors."

Funding under the NEDC emissions reduction grant program supports projects that significantly reduce tons of diesel pollution produced, particularly from fleets operating in areas designated by the Administrator as poor air quality areas. The program reduces pollution from heavy duty diesel vehicles and equipment that are currently used on the road or off the road, such as for construction or farming. Eligible vehicles, engines and equipment may include but are not limited to: buses; medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines or vehicles used in construction; handling or cargo (including at a port or airport); agriculture; mining; or energy production.

EPA is accepting proposals for funding from regional, state, local or tribal agencies or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Proposals will also be accepted from nonprofit organizations or institutions that represent or provide pollution reduction or educational services to persons or organizations that own or operate diesel fleets or that have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. School districts, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, cities and counties are all eligible provided that they fall within the definition above.

EPA will host two Question and Answer sessions via teleconference on April 10 from 10:00 am to 12 noon and May 7 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM to answer questions and provide additional information about this funding competition. The call-in number for both sessions is: 866-299-3188. Enter Conference Code: 212 637 3745 #.

For more information, including a copy of the Request for Proposals, please visit: http://www.northeastdiesel.org/ or contact Matt Laurita (212) 637-3895.

See the Source:

North East Diesel

Find out:

How to reduce diesel emissions using diesel particulate filters

EPA Clears the Air: New Standards Drastically Cut Locomotive and Marine Diesel Pollution

New tough emissions standards will slash pollution from locomotive and marine diesel engines by up to 90 percent, helping Americans to breathe cleaner air as soon as this year.

"Today EPA is fitting another important piece into the clean diesel puzzle by cleaning emissions from our trains and boats," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "As more and more goods flow through our ports and railways, EPA is cutting diesel emissions at their source – keeping our nation on track toward a clean, healthy, productive tomorrow."

When fully implemented, these new standards will reduce soot or particulate matter (PM) by 90 percent or 27,000 tons and reduce nitrogen oxides emissions (NOx) by 80 percent or nearly 800,000 tons. Nationwide this regulation will help prevent 1,400 premature deaths, and 120,000 lost workdays annually in 2030. The estimated annual health benefits are valued between $8.4 billion and $12 billion. When these older locomotive and marine engines reach the end of their useful life, and new engines enter into the nation's diesel fleet, the benefits of today's action will increase.

Working in collaboration with our partners and our commitment to clean technology helps make EPA's Clean Diesel Locomotive and Marine program possible. The rule cuts emissions from all types of diesel locomotives, including line-haul, switch, and passenger rail, as well as from a wide range of marine sources, including ferries, tugboats, Great Lake freighters and all types of marine auxiliary engines.

For the first time ever, this rule requires remanufacturing standards for marine engines, reductions in engine idling, and the use of after treatment technology that will further reduce diesel emissions. Phasing in tighter long-term standards for PM and NOx will begin in 2014 for marine diesel engines and in 2015 for locomotive engines. Advanced after-treatment technology will apply to both types of engines. The effective dates for NOx will be two years earlier from last year's proposal, bringing cleaner air sooner.

Today's action is another achievement in EPA's efforts to reduce pollution from diesel engines. This new rule complements the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule and the Clean Air Diesel Truck and Bus Rule, currently underway nationwide.

See the Source:

Clean Diesel Locomotive

Clean Diesel Marine

Media Actuality (sound bite)

air pollution
diesel emissions

Improving Public Health and the Environment for Local Communities is Just a Click Away

A new EPA Web site features dozens of projects that local communities can do to help make the air cleaner and healthier to breathe. The "Improving Air Quality in Your Community" Web site features activities for reducing both indoor and outdoor pollution, including diesel engine retrofit programs, improving air quality in local schools, and pollution prevention options for small businesses. These projects have a successful track record: they were previously put into action by state and local governments across the country. This site includes information about the costs to establish and maintain each project, and how local communities can apply for EPA grants to kick-start their activities.

See the Source:

EPA - Improving Air Quality in Your Community

Find out:

How to decrease diesel particulate pollution on backup generators at local schools and small businesses.

Long Beach Clean Air Cargo Fee to Raise $1.6 Billion

Starting in June, the Port of Long Beach has decided to charge shipping containers going in and out of the port a $35 fee to cover the cost of emissions control for port drayage trucks. It is expected that the fee will raise $1.6 billion. Port trucks should meet Clean Air Action Plan requirements by 2012. In order to further cut air pollution, last month the Port of Long Beach approved a ban on pre-1989 "dirty trucks." The ban will be phased in by October 2008. After that date no trucks manufactured before 1989 will be allowed to operate at the port.

See the Source:
Purchase.com

Find out:
How to reduce diesel particulate matter with diesel particulate filters.

air pollution

California Proposes New Regulations to Reduce Diesel Pollution at Ports

The California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols highlighted two port-related emissions reductions programs on Wednesday, Dec. 5th. If passed by the full Board later this week, the programs will dramatically reduce diesel particulate matter pollution from ships and trucks throughout the state by 2014.

The first regulation requires operators of certain types of ocean-going vessels to shut down their diesel auxiliary engines while docked at the state's busiest ports in favor of using shore-based electrical power. The second regulation is aimed at cleaning up emissions from the aging fleet of dirty diesel trucks that hauls goods around the clock to and from ports and rail yards throughout the state.

"These first-of-their-kind measures will continue our work to slash port-related emissions," Nichols said. "Residents from San Pedro to Oakland will breathe easier as a result of our aggressive actions to clean up diesel emissions from ports throughout the state. We owe it to the long-suffering ports communities to continue our quest of reducing all the emissions we can from ships, trucks and trains."

ARB adopted strategies in December 2005 that require cleaner engines in cargo handling equipment and clean fuel on ships.

Combined with the measures before the Board this week, ARB regulations will reduce diesel particulate matter emissions from container and cruise ship terminals by almost two-thirds by 2010, and by an estimated 75 percent by 2014. Overall diesel soot emissions will decline by 1,800 tons per year in 2014.

Shore Power
The new regulation will require certain fleet operators of container, passenger and refrigerated cargo ships ("reefers") to turn off their auxiliary engines -- which power lighting, ventilation, pumps and other onboard equipment -- while a ship is docked for most of its stay in port. The rule will affect almost 95 percent of the ship visits in these three categories.

Once docked, operators would then be expected to receive their electricity from shore-based sources or meet percentage reductions through other means. Ports affected by the regulation are those most visited: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco and Hueneme in Ventura County.

A 2005 ARB exposure study at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach shows that more than two million people live in areas around the ports with predicted cancer risks of greater than 10 in a million due emissions from docked ocean-going vessels. From that study and other data, ARB estimates that about 61 premature deaths per year can be attributed to exposure to diesel exhaust generated from ships in port.

Container, passenger and reefer vessels call at California ports almost 6,000 times each year, accounting for nearly 85 percent of the emissions from all docked ships. In 2006, approximately 1.8 tons per day of diesel particulate matter and 21 tons per day of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), a key ingredient of smog, were emitted from the diesel-fueled auxiliary engines of docked ships. The regulation is expected to reduce diesel and smog-forming emissions from docked container, passenger and reefer ships by nearly 50 percent relative to levels otherwise expected to be emitted in 2014, and 80 percent by 2020.

Next year, ARB expects to introduce a similar rule that will reduce emissions from bulk ships, tankers and vehicle carriers.

Port Trucks
ARB staff estimates that California has about 20,000 port or "drayage" trucks that frequently visit the ports and rail yards and have the greatest impact on local air quality. Drayage trucks are a significant source of diesel particulate matter, contributing three tons per day statewide. With regards to the smog precursor NOx, port trucks emit 61 tons per day.

The regulation is expected to reduce diesel particulate matter emissions from drayage trucks from baseline 2007 levels some 86 percent (2.6 tons per day) by 2010. Emissions of NOx are expected to be reduced from 2007 baseline levels by 62 percent (42 tons per day) by 2014.

ARB estimates that the proposed regulation will prevent 1,200 premature deaths from 2009 through 2020, with benefits being the most dramatic in the communities where port trucks are heavily concentrated.

Phase one of the new regulation requires all pre-1994 drayage truck engines be retired or replaced with 1994 and newer engines by the end of 2009. In addition, trucks with 1994-2003 engines will need to be either replaced or retrofitted to achieve an 85 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter by the same deadline. The second phase of the regulation requires all drayage trucks to meet 2007 emissions standards by the end of 2013.

The rule also requires compliant trucks working at the 14 ports and 11 rail yards affected by this regulation to be entered into a special registry by late 2009.

Next year, the Board will consider a similar measure which will focus on reducing emissions from in-use private heavy duty diesel truck fleets.

See the Source:

CARB

Find out:

How to reduce diesel particulate matter by using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

diesel emissions

Air Pollution Facts: Current Stats from the News

1. Iowa’s Clear the Air (a coalition of organizations fighting global warming) reports the following Iowa state statistics according to data collected by consultants for the EPA:
- 323 annual deaths attributed to fine particle pollution from power plants
- 40,988 lost work days
- 333 hospitalzations
- 7,322 asthma attacks

2. The Senate has recently passed a bill that will require car owners to buy:
- 36 billion gallons of ethanol by 2022

But Nobel Prize recipient, Paul Crutzen, warns that intensive cultivation of biofuels could actually increase the greenhouse effect up to 70% MORE than burning fossil fuels. According to Crutzen, a byproduct of fertilizer used in growing biofuels is nitrous oxide. This greenhouse gas has almost 300 times the heat-trapping properties of CO2 (one of the most common greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels).

3. Levels of ozone and particulate matter in Europe have not improved since 1997, despite significant reductions in pollutants from emissions.

4. Global energy demands will rise by 50% by the year 2030, from 85 millions barrels of oil a day to 116 million barrels a day, according to the International Energy Agency. Almost half of the increase in demand will be attributed to China and India.

5. Sea level is projected to rise 1 to 3 feet within the next 100 years due to global warming and climate change.

6. To date, the US Congress has not passed a single bill to cap and reduce global warming pollution in the United State’s.

7. In California alone, 28,000 tons of particulate matter are emitted annually from diesel-fueled vehicles and engines. This includes 1 million+ on- and off-road vehicles, 16,000 stationary engines, and approximately 50,000 portable engines.

8. Due to smog and particulate matter, India is now receiving less sunlight than it did 20 years ago.

9. Air pollution is costing China 3.8 percent of its gross domestic product, with particulate matter becoming a major health threat.

10. China’s combined health and non-health cost of outdoor air pollution and water pollution is about 100 billion U.S. dollars annually according to the World Bank.

Find out:

How to cut emissions of particulate matter from diesel on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary engines by using diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems.

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Settles with Waste Management for over $1 million

Trash hauler failed to inspect diesel trucks for excess smoke

SACRAMENTO - Waste Management recently settled with the California Air Resources Board for more than $1 million for failing to properly inspect its diesel truck fleet to assure state emission standards were met.

Waste Management, the nation's largest trash hauler, settled for air quality violations that occurred in 2004 and 2005 throughout the state.

"Trash pick-up is a critical service, but emissions spewed from uninspected trucks are not something Californians should pay for with their health," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "Our enforcement teams will continue to ensure clean air laws are taken seriously."

California's Periodic Smoke Inspection Program, which requires annual smoke opacity tests of California-based fleets, in conjunction with a roadside smoke inspection program, is used to ensure that all of California's heavy-duty vehicles are properly maintained, tamper-free and free from excessive smoke emissions.

In addition to the settlement monies, Waste Management has agreed to comply with the smoke inspection program and will require all fleet staff responsible for compliance with the ARB's regulations to attend classes conducted by the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology. Waste Management must also supply to ARB all smoke inspection records for the 2007 and subsequent four years.

All monies are being paid to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which was established to mitigate various sources of pollution through education and the advancement and use of cleaner technology. This fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, uses compliance settlement fees to support various pollution-related research projects and related programs.

The state has more than 12,000 diesel-fueled commercial and residential solid waste and recycling collection vehicles. Waste collection is a weekly event in most areas, and in some cases, neighborhoods are served by three collection vehicles each week.

Unchecked, emissions from these trucks contribute to toxic diesel particulate matter levels that are a danger to public health.

Diesel emissions contribute to poor air quality throughout the state.

See the Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
How to cut emissions on waste collection vehicles using diesel oxidation catalysts or diesel particulate filters.

diesel emissions
air pollution

Dangerous Ferry Emissions in California

This photo is of a California ferry service taken by a citizen reporter and posted on Flickr with her comments. Diesel ferries and other harbor craft emit dangerous particulate matter (black soot) that can cause serious health problems such as lung impairment, heart attacks and even premature death.

Here are a few statistics just posted by the California Air Resources Board:
- 3 tons of diesel soot and 73 tons of NOx: the amount of pollutants emitted daily from California harbor craft
- 4,200: an estimate of how many harbor craft vessels operate in California
- 600: number of CA ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats and towboats that require emissions reduction under a new ARB ruling to cut emissions by 50% by 2015

Thank you to Luxomdedia for providing the photo for this post. Here are her comments:
A plume of deadly diesel exhaust pours from the Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry service to Oakland Alameda. They do not use diesel particulate filters and the ferry manager said they do not have any plans to install them. An average of 900 people ride the ferry every day, including school children. The people who work on the ferry get the most exposure to it.

The company received roughly $1.5 million in Carl Moyer grant funding from Bay Area Air-Quality Management in 2006, including $677,531 for this vessel to be upgraded. They also raised their ticket prices for capital improvements. It seems that the vessel just "goes in for service" often, but no long-term air quality improvements are made. I usually enjoy riding the ferry, and the service and people who work there are great, but what's the point when you can't breathe fresh air? What is also concerning is that B&G claim to be clean, green and environmentally sound. I don't see any "green waves" here, do you? I am looking forward to when this is really a clean, green commute. Until then, I think I WILL hold my breath.

Check out the California Air Resources Board, and the Clean Air Task Force public health information about Diesel Exhaust, which causes cancer and other health problems contributing to thousands of premature deaths per year.

See the Source:
Luxomedia on Flickr

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters that can be used to retrofit ferries, reducing diesel particulate matter by more than 85%.

air pollution
diesel emissions

ARB Approves Measures to Reduce Pollution from Commercial Harbor Craft

New regulation expected to cut emissions by 50 percent by 2015

The Air Resources Board today approved a measure designed to reduce harmful emissions from commercial ferries, excursion vessels such as dinner cruises and tour boats, tugs and towboats in California waters as much as 50 percent by 2015.

With this rule in place, ARB expects emissions of diesel soot and oxides of nitrogen, and their negative health impacts, to be reduced by 40-50 percent by 2015, and 60-70 percent by 2025, compared to 2004 levels. The new measure for commercial harbor craft does not include recreational or ocean-going vessels.

"Today's Board action brings new protection to the thousands of Californians who live and work in port communities," said ARB Chair Mary Nichols. "While harbor craft play a vital role at our ports and along our coast, they also contribute significantly to air emissions most responsible for premature death, respiratory illnesses, and increased risk of heart disease. With today's vote, ARB is now regulating yet another diesel source that has fouled California's air for years."

Roughly 3 tons of diesel soot and 73 tons of NOx are emitted from commercial harbor craft engines daily. A recent ARB study revealed that, for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, commercial harbor craft is the third highest source of diesel soot emissions contributing to cancer risk at the ports.

Statewide, approximately 90 premature deaths per year are associated with emissions from commercial harbor craft.

Currently, about 80 percent of all harbor craft engines in California are unregulated. The new regulation requires these dirty, older engines currently in use on ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats, and towboats to be replaced with newer, cleaner engines meeting more stringent U.S. EPA marine engine standards. Replacements are to be phased in starting in 2009, with the oldest, highest-use engines to be replaced first. In addition, commercial harbor craft operating in the South Coast area are required to replace their engines on an accelerated schedule, in order to help meet federally mandated air quality deadlines.

The regulation exempts certain existing harbor craft from the engine replacement requirements of the regulation such as fishing boats, crew and supply boats, pilot boats, and work boats, such as those operated by police and fire departments and other government entities. However, all new harbor craft, including these vessels, are regulated under this measure and must use the cleanest available marine engines. Similarly, replacement engines on all existing harbor craft will need to be the cleanest available.

The ARB estimates that there are about 4,200 harbor craft vessels and 8,300 harbor craft engines currently in use in California, with each vessel typically having more than one engine. Of these, there are nearly 600 ferries, excursion vessels, tugboats, and towboats equipped with about 1,900 propulsion and auxiliary engines that will be subject to this regulation. While these represent only 15 percent of the vessels (25 percent of the engines), they generate about 50 percent of the emissions. Additionally, most of their emissions are generated within the harbor or close to shore and thus have the greatest impact on adjacent communities. About 40 percent of these vessels are in the Bay Area, while 30 percent service the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The remainder are scattered throughout the State.

Over the past two years, ARB has addressed the problem of poor air quality at the ports from several different angles, adopting measures that reduce emissions from cargo handling equipment, require use of cleaner fuel in auxiliary ship engines, and limit onboard ship incineration. In December, ARB will consider two more regulations, including a measure to provide alternative power supplies at ports so that ships can avoid using diesel power while at dock, and a rule requiring retrofit or replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks that service ports.

Source:
California Air Resources Board

Find out:
How diesel particulate filters can reduce diesel emissions from ferries by greater than 85%.

air pollution

Spending Time in Your Car Increases Pollution Exposure

The daily commute may be taking more of a toll than people realize. A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) and the California Air Resources Board found that up to half of Los Angeles residents’ total exposure to harmful air pollutants occurs while people are traveling in their vehicles.

Although the average Los Angeles driver spends about six percent (1.5 hours) of his or her day on the road, that period of time accounts for 33 to 45 percent of total exposure to diesel and ultrafine particles (UFP), according to the study published this month in the journal Atmospheric Environment and available online. On freeways, diesel-fueled trucks are the source of the highest concentrations of harmful pollutants.

“If you have otherwise healthy habits and don’t smoke, driving to work is probably the most unhealthy part of your day,” says Scott Fruin, D.Env., assistant professor of environmental health at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Urban dwellers with long commutes are probably getting most of their UFP exposure while driving.”

High air exchange rates that occur when a vehicle is moving make roadways a major source of exposure. Ultrafine particles are of particular concern because, unlike larger particles, they can penetrate cell walls and disperse throughout the body, Fruin says. Particulate matter has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but the ultrafine fraction on roadways appears to be more toxic than larger sizes.

Researchers measured exposure by outfitting an electric vehicle with nine, fast-response air pollution instruments. A video recorded surrounding traffic and driving conditions on freeways and arterial roads throughout the Los Angeles region. Measurements were collected during a three-month period from February to April 2003, and four typical days were selected for a second-by-second video and statistical analysis.

Results showed that the two main sources of pollution were diesel-fueled trucks on freeways and hard accelerations on surface streets. Surprisingly, overall congestion was only a factor on arterial roads and, even then, the highest concentrations of pollutants occurred only when vehicles were accelerating from a stop, Fruin says.

“This study was the first to look at the effect of driving and traffic conditions at this level of detail and to demonstrate the specific factors leading to the highest pollutant exposures for drivers,” Fruin says. “The extent that a specific type of vehicle—diesel trucks—dominated the highest concentration conditions on freeways was unexpected.”

Driving with the windows closed and recirculating air settings can modestly reduce the particle pollution exposures but does not reduce most gaseous pollutants. Driving at speeds lower than 20 miles-per-hour can also reduce exposure, but none of these measures are as effective as simply cutting back on driving time, he says.

“Shortening your commute and spending less time in the car will significantly reduce your total body burden of harmful pollutants,” Fruin says.

Off-road transportation such as taking the train will have a significant impact. Biking or walking are alternatives that also provide valuable health benefits from exercise, he says.

See the Source:
USC

Find out:
How to reduce diesel particulate emissions for on- and off-road vehicles using diesel particulate filters.

air pollution
diesel emissions

Final Regulation Order Approved for Air Toxic Control Measure

The California Office of Administrative Law approved the amended Air Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines on September 18th. The amended ATCM will become effective on October 18, 2007.






To view the Final Regulation Order go to: http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/agen06/agen06.htm

Find out:
How emissions from stationary compression ignition engines (emergency and prime power generators) can be made cleaner and quieter using filter/silencers from CleanAIR Systems.

Catalyst Market Due for Extensive Growth

Globally, vehicle emission legislations are tightening. This will have a major impact on the growth of the automotive catalyst market based on vehicle emission regulations that have already been implemented for all heavy duty diesel (HDD) vehicles in Europe in October 2006 and in the United States in January 2007.

The automotive catalyst market was almost non-existent in 2005. It is expected to grow into a billion dollar market by 2010 due to the new legislation for heavy duty diesel engines. The market is likely to get a further boost by 2011 when legislation for off-road or non-road diesel engines is also going to be implemented. Non-road diesel engine legislation will require industries such as construction, agriculture and mining to adhere to the same emission standards as HDD vehicles.

See the Source:
BusinessWire

Find out:

About catalysts for non-road and heavy duty diesel vehicles.

Research Finds Diesel Exhaust Kills Throat Cells

Press Release:

September 11 - Researchers at Deakin University have found that diesel exhaust is far more damaging to our health than exhaust from biodiesel, the plant-based fuel.

Associate Professor Leigh Ackland, Associate Head of Deakin’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, led a team of researchers who compared the effects of diesel exhaust and biodiesel exhaust on human airway cells. They found that diesel exhaust damaged and killed the cells, while biodiesel exhaust had little effect.

"Australia's escalating need for fuel is posing a major health problem," Associate Professor Ackland said.

"The fumes from burning fuels, including diesel, contributes to pollution and can cause heart disease, bronchitis and asthma. Efforts are underway to replace petrol and diesel with cleaner biofuels, such as biodiesel, but there is considerable resistance to this.

"This study provides clear evidence that diesel exhaust is more harmful to our health than biodiesel exhaust."

As it is not possible to study in real time what happens in the real human airway, the researchers conducted their research on human airway cells grown in a culture. The cells were exposed to the particulate matter emitted in diesel and biodiesel exhaust fumes.

"Particulate matter is the burnt material, including carbon particles, emitted into the air. This particulate matter is part of biodiesel and diesel fumes but the particles produced from biodiesel were much less damaging to the cells than particles produced from diesel," Associate Professor Ackland explained.

"Our research found that the particulate matter from diesel exhaust stimulated a ‘death pathway’ response that the body uses to dispose of damaged cells. This response caused the airway cells to fuse together and die.

"We saw hardly any cell death after treatment with biodiesel particulates."

Associate Professor Ackland said that the results of the study provide support for calls to move towards replacing petrol and diesel with cleaner biofuels.

"It is clear that breathing in diesel fumes is going to have a far more detrimental effect on our health than biodiesel. Given the level of cell death we have found, diesel exhaust could be the cause of respiratory disorders such as asthma and could even be implicated in cancer," she said.

The study has been published in the lastest edition of the international journal Immunology and Cell Biology.

See the Source:
Deakin University

Find out:
How diesel particulate filters virtually eliminate particulate matter from diesel and biodiesel fuels. Watch video.

diesel pollution
particulate matter

High Pollution Affecting Children in Mexico City

According to researchers in Mexico, children who are chronically exposed to higher levels of air pollution show marked deficiencies in lung growth and function.

"Our study revealed significant deficits in lung function growth in children with long-term exposure to air pollutants,” wrote Isabelle Romieu, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study. "In addition to the important impact of lung health, early lung deficits may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive lung disease later in life, as well as cardiovascular morbidity and general mortality.

These conclusions are the result of a three-year, multi-site prospective study that measured lung function growth in 3,170 eight-year-old children at 39 schools in Mexico City and analyzed it with respect to the children’s exposure to common urban pollutants: ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter under 10 μm (PM10).

Dr. Romieu, of the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publico in Mexico, and eight colleagues reported their findings in the second issue for August of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.

Previous studies have found that short-term exposure to pollutants is associated with acute but reversible deficits in lung function, but the effects of long-term exposure, like that experienced by residents of heavily polluted urban environments, had not been conclusively characterized.

Although all measurements of lung function increased over time, the researchers found that higher exposure to O3, NO2 and PM10 was significantly associated with growth deficits.

“At the beginning of the study and at each phase of follow-up, children exposed to lower O3 and PM10 concentrations had better lung function values that children exposed to higher concentrations,” wrote the researchers.

The study could not determine the mechanism by which pollutants change lung growth, but other studies have found differences in lung morphology related to O3 exposure, and suggested that chronic exposure to PM and O3 may be associated with small airway disease.

Recently, oxidative stress from oxidant compounds, including O3, NO2 and PM has been identified as a potential cause of an inflammatory response, which could then lead to chronic lung damage. The reversibility of the damage is unclear, but the authors note that previous studies have reported long-term deficits in lung function associated with air pollutants.

“Although we could not identify specific sources [of the pollutants], the effect is likely to be due to vehicular exhaust,” wrote the researchers, concluding that “there is a clear need for stricter air pollution measures in Mexico City to protect lung growth in children living there.”

See the Source:
Newswise

Find out:
How to reduce particulate matter from diesel engines using diesel particulate filters.

air pollution
particle pollution

California Adopts Landmark Rule to Reduce Toxic Emissions from Off-Road Equipment

This news just in from the California Air Resources Board:

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board today adopted a pioneering regulation aimed at reducing toxic and cancer-causing diesel emissions from the state's estimated 180,000 "off-road" vehicles used in construction, mining, airport ground support and other industries.

"This regulation will prevent thousands of premature deaths and reduce health care costs for those suffering from respiratory disease such as asthma," said Mary Nichols, ARB Chairman. "It is also the first of its kind in the nation, and, as has occurred with other California regulations, could serve as a model for other states to follow."

Diesel particulate matter, or diesel "soot," was identified as a toxic air contaminant in 1998. In 2000, the ARB established California's Diesel Risk Reduction Plan, which aims to reduce diesel emissions to 85 percent below 2000 levels by 2020. Other sources of diesel particulate matter such as transit buses, trash trucks, cargo-handling equipment and ship auxiliary engines have already been addressed through regulations, along with diesel fuel.

Because many diesel engines lack emission controls and can remain in use for 30 years or longer, they will remain a major contributor to air pollution for years to come. The regulation adopted today will dramatically reduce emissions by installation of diesel soot filters and encouraging the replacement of older, dirtier engines with newer emission controlled models. By 2020, diesel particulate matter will be reduced by 74 percent and smog forming oxides of nitrogen by 32 percent, compared to what emissions would be without the regulation.

The new rule also includes a provision allowing areas that are currently unable to achieve clean air standards set by the US EPA for particulate matter to opt in to stricter regional requirements if incentive funds are made available. The air districts that could take advantage of this provision are the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District; both are considered "non-attainment areas" for particulate matter. Depending on the amount of incentive money made available, these provisions could as much as double the NOx emissions benefits in these districts, setting them on a faster track to meeting their clean air goals.

The requirements and deadlines vary depending on fleet size. For small fleets, which include small businesses or municipalities with a combined horsepower of 2500 or less, implementation does not begin until 2015. Medium fleets, with 2501 to 5000 horsepower, have until 2013, while large fleets, with over 5000 horsepower, must begin complying in 2010. Affected vehicles include bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and forklifts, as well as many other self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles.

ARB performed a comprehensive economic analysis of the rule's impact on business, concluding that the regulation will cost industry up to $3.5 billion over its lifetime. Staff reviewed individual companies' financial records and conducted numerous workshops to discuss the cost of the regulation as well as impacts on individual businesses. ARB also gave special consideration to small businesses (e.g., small fleets have until 2015 to begin compliance, while large fleets must begin in 2010) to ensure that the regulation would not provide undue economic hardship.

The Board's action today also sets the stage for efforts next year to develop similar requirements for the hundreds of thousands of on-road trucks that travel on California's roads every day.

According to ARB estimates, over its course, this rule will prevent at least 4,000 premature deaths statewide and avoid $18 to $26 billion in premature death and health costs.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

Find out:
About CARB verified diesel particulate filters used on off-road vehicles to reduce diesel particle pollution.

diesel pollution
diesel retrofit

New Report by EPA Details Cost-Effectiveness of Diesel Retrofits

The EPA has released "Diesel Retrofit Technology: An Analysis of the Cost Effectiveness of Reducing Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides Emissions from Heavy-Duty Nonroad Diesel Engines Through Retrofits." Available online as a 17-page PDF, the report discusses retrofit options, how they can be a cost-effective strategy for off-road diesel vehicles in reducing emissions, and estimates for various retrofit scenarios.

From the report:
Retrofit projects can begin producing emission reductions immediately and can help State and local governments reduce emissions of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the near term. Retrofits include a wide range of emission reduction strategies available for diesel vehicles and equipment, including:

• Retrofitting engines with verified technologies
• Using cleaner fuels
• Replacing older equipment
• Repowering (replacing old engines with new, cleaner engines
• Reducing idling
• Properly maintaining equipment
• Gaining operational efficiencies

Retrofit technologies are advancing at a rapid pace. The use of established technologies, such as diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and diesel particulate filters (DPFs), continues to grow exponentially, while new, emerging technologies such as Lean NOx (LNC) catalysts, are steadily improving. Retrofit technologies often vary in the type of pollutant reduced. DOCs and DPFs remove PM from the exhaust, but do not reduce NOx. However, DOCs or DPFs can be combined with a NOx reduction strategy – such as a cleaner fuel – to enhance the emission reduction benefits.

See the Source:
EPA Report

Find out:
More on diesel particulate filters for off-road vehicles such as construction and mining equipment.

diesel pollution
diesel retrofit

Union Pacific Railroad Settles Air Quality Violations with $120,000

This press release was just issued by the California Air Resources Board:

Union Pacific Railroad, headquartered in Omaha, NE, recently paid $120,000 for violations of regulations requiring companies to inspect and verify that their diesel trucks in California meet state exhaust limits.

An investigation by the California Air Resources Board revealed that between 2004 and 2005, UP failed to properly inspect and document its diesel trucks' emissions throughout California.

California's Periodic Smoke Inspection program requires owners of diesel fleets with two or more heavy duty diesel engines to inspect and maintain them, and keep records. This expedites inspections, assures compliance, and guards the state's progress toward federally mandated clean air standards.

"Compliance with our regulations is the crux to clean healthful air for all Californians," said ARB's acting-Executive Officer, Tom Cackette. "We need companies to recognize that Californians demand clean air and that enforcement actions are an extension of their desire to live in a healthy and respected environment."

Most of the money from the settlement was paid into the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which mitigates pollution through education, the advancement and use of cleaner technology, and supports pollution research and related programs. The California Legislature controls the fund through allocations in the annual Budget Act.

$30,000 of the settlement is funding an ARB program operated by select community colleges that provides industry with technical and compliance training. Fleet maintenance personnel from the companies found in violation must go through this training program as a condition of settlement.

Emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines are 70 percent of the air borne carcinogens that Californians are exposed to on a daily basis. ARB has committed to reducing these emissions by 85 percent by 2020.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

See the Source:
CARB

diesel emissions
air pollution

Air Pollution News for 07-24-07

- An organic chemist and two engineers from Wales believe they have developed the answer to our green house gas problem. “Greenbox” is technology that captures GHG emissions such as CO2 and NOx from a car, turning the vehicle’s emissions into mostly water vapor. The box captures emissions, holds the gases in an inert state, where they are then transported to a bioreactor where algae will turn the gases into biofuels. Eventually the Greenbox will be able to be used on most on vehicles, and possibly even buildings and power plants that emit greenhouse gases.

- The Coalition to Build a Cleaner California is asking new chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Mary Nichols to extend the deadline for reducing emissions on off-road diesel vehicles from 2020 to 2025. The Coalition is made up of representatives from the labor unions, construction companies and the airline industry. The construction industry believes that the proposed regulations will cost up to $13 billion and a loss of 30,000 jobs, causing many companies to retire old equipment, creating a loss of income and jobs. CARB and environmentalists believe that without strict regulations to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and NOx, air pollution will put many lives at risk in California. An estimated 180,000 off-road diesel vehicles operate in the state.

- The LA Times reports that China has stopped two environmental reports that would have opened up embarrassing and serious facts on their increasing problems with air and water pollution. China is now considered the most polluted country in the world, with an estimated 600,000 citizens dieing each year due to air pollution. Although China is putting in place stringent regulations, enforcement is often spotty or not implemented at all due to attitudes by regional officials.

See the Source:
Motoring
San Francisco Chronicle
LA Times

Find out:
See video on how emissions from off-road diesel vehicles are decreased using diesel particulate filters. Watch now.

air pollution
diesel emissions

Diesel Particulate Filter on Off-Road Equipment

Below is a video showing how a diesel particulate filter works on an off-road vehicle. The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter is installed on a diesel loader used at a mine. The CARB verified PERMIT Filter is a custom designed diesel particulate filter used to virtually eliminate emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust. The video shows before and after emissions testing by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with a visible, dramatic reduction in particulate emissions (black smoke or soot) using the PERMIT Filter.

California Proposal Would Clean Up Heavy Equipment.

California air quality regulators are currently hearing testimony concerning a proposal requiring off-road diesel equipment to be retrofitted with emissions control technology or replace them with newer, cleaner engines. This sweeping ruling would force construction companies, airports and ski resorts to drastically reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and NOx by as soon as 2010 to comply with new air quality regulations.

“This by far is the largest diesel rule ever undertaken,” stated Natural Resources Defense Council scientist, Diane Bailey. “Nobody writes air pollution on the death certificate, but the fact is it is responsible for thousands of deaths in California.”

There are an estimated 180,000 diesel off-road vehicles in California that would fall under the proposed ruling.

See the Source:
Press Telegram

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters for off-road equipment

Cleaning Up Emissions with New CleanAIR Filter/Silencer

Leading emissions control manufacturer, CleanAIR Systems introduces a new addition to their line of diesel particulate filter products, the PERMIT Filter/Silencer, designed to reduce exhaust emissions from prime power and emergency generators. Facilities using gensets for power generation are already familiar with silencers installed to lessen engine noise. With the enforcement of stringent pollution regulations, generator owners also need emissions control technology along with sound attenuation to meet demanding air quality laws. The PERMIT Filter/Silencer incorporating CleanAIR’s CARB verified PERMIT Filter, meets both requirements.

Available for all stationary engine sizes, CleanAIR’s PERMIT Filter/Silencer is installed on the exhaust of a generator, eliminating visible black smoke, diesel odor and noise while the engine is running. Emissions of particulate matter are substantially reduced by more than 85% and emissions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons by up to 99%.

“Keeping our customer in mind, we designed our PERMIT Filter/Silencer specifically to fit facilities that need to reduce emissions and sound,” explained CleanAIR Sales Engineer, Daniel Serrano. “By combining our diesel particulate filters with a silencer, the customer no longer needs two separate units that take up a lot of space. Our PERMIT Filter/Silencer does the job of both by eliminating emissions while at the same time providing sound reduction. It also reduces the overall cost.”

Manufactured using 304 stainless steel, the PERMIT Filter/Silencer is custom designed to fit each application. Utilizing CleanAIR’s integrated approach, the product is entirely designed and manufactured in-house, including: product design; flow, stress and sound modeling; filter catalyzation; and custom fabrication of the silencer shell. Each PERMIT Filter/Silencer is fully insulated to reduce heat loss and provide sound attenuation.

The stainless steel silencer is corrosion-resistant, thereby extending the life of the product. Using stainless steel also reduces the product’s total weight by up to 50% over silencers currently on the market constructed of mild steel, allowing for easier installation.

“We looked at silencer designs already on the market and knew we could design a better, more efficient product that also incorporated our CARB verified PERMIT Filters,” concluded Michael Roach, President of CleanAIR Systems. “It was a real group effort with our engineering, manufacturing and technical sales staff all offering input as to what our customers wanted in an emissions control product. Our team designed a premium product using stainless steel construction, incorporating our PERMIT Filters and still maintained a comparable price advantage. In this way all facilities from schools and hospitals to power generation plants can afford to install a better emissions control product.”

See the Source:
The CleanAIR PERMIT Filter/Silencer

Watch a video to see how the PERMIT Filter/Silencer works

emissions control
particle pollution
clean air

Earth Day: What Can You Do to Reduce Air Pollution?

In celebration of Earth Day, here’s our list of recommendations for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Take a stand - make a difference!

- Support regional clean air regulations by contacting your state and local representatives, urging them to pass strong air quality standards.

- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce energy consumption, and lessen the impact of energy produced by burning fossil fuels.

- Use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in all diesel engines to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides.

- Urge your local city government to retrofit public transportation with emissions control technology.

- Purchase renewable wind or solar energy blocks from your utilities provider.

- Find out if your local schools and colleges have diesel emergency generators. If so, urge them to be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters. This will substantially reduce diesel emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

- Educate yourself! There are many websites and blogs (just like ours) that publish daily environmental information. Take advantage of the news offered and become an informed, activist against air pollution.

See the Source:
EPA – Earth Day
CleanAIR Systems

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour

The Clean Diesel Technology Tour, the largest gathering ever of clean diesel executives, vehicles and technologies, takes place today at the Sacramento Convention Center, spotlighting diesel’s role in meeting California challenges regarding clean air standards, climate change and fuel efficiency. Sponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), the tour offers industry, government officials and representatives from the environmental community the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas while reviewing the impressive improvements of modern diesel technologies.

During the tour, results of a recent survey commissioned by the DTF will be released, showing current California residents’ attitudes toward the impacts of their personal vehicle choices on climate change, and their perceptions of the diesel industry’s environmental progress over the past two decades.

Tour topics include discussing the importance of clean diesel technology to California today and its future potential; environmental challenges at the ports and in goods movement; the state’s low-carbon fuel initiative; and Governor Schwartzenegger’s views regarding climate change issues that industries need to address.

Executives from the diesel industry will discuss plans for the introduction of new clean diesel vehicles, engines and related technology in the near future.

The event will feature an opportunity to see and drive some of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient clean diesel vehicles made, including several brought from Europe to demonstrate the state-of-art in light-duty diesel technology. There will also be displays of 2007 emissions-compliant Class 8 trucks, Tier III off-road equipment and a wide array of emissions-control technologies that are making new and older diesels the cleanest ever, and ready for use in California’s strict regulatory environment.

In light-duty cars, trucks and SUVs, diesel yields up to 40 percent more miles per gallon than unleaded gasoline, an important benefit with the challenge of today’s high fuel prices. Diesel became even more attractive with rollout of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in California last September and nationwide last October. The sulfur content of this new, clean diesel is 15 parts per million, down previously from 150 parts per million in California, reducing emissions from diesels and enabling a new generation of clean engines for the entire spectrum of diesel-powered equipment. These new engines are up to 90 percent cleaner than the previous generation of diesel engines. Cars and SUVs expressly designed to burn clean diesel, which will make them as clean as gasoline-powered engines, are expected to be introduced in California starting in 2008.

About the Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) is an association of companies that manufacture diesel engines, components, fuel, and emissions control systems. The DTF brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum industry and public health researchers to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings and points-of-view about current and future uses of diesel power technology.

See the Source:

Diesel Technology Forum

The Dirt on Diesels

Cleaning up dirty diesels isn’t easy, but there are technologies available and new ones in the works which will reduce ozone-forming air pollution emitted from diesel engines in the form of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Because diesel cars and trucks are actually 30% more fuel efficient than vehicles fueled by gasoline, thereby burning less fuel, they can actually be better for the environment if their emissions are cleaned up using diesel particulate filters (to reduce particulate matter) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

In an effort to bring more innovative, fuel efficient clean diesel vehicles to the American marketplace, the EPA has issued a set of guidelines on emission certification procedures for on-road diesels that use SCR technology.

SCR reduces NOx in emissions by using a specially coated catalyst with a “reducing agent” such as ammonia or urea to turn NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.

According to the EPA, manufacturers of SCR technology will need to gain approval according to the guidelines in order to receive verification from the EPA. The technologies must take into account driver warning systems and inducement, system durability and reliability, and reducing agent quality and availability.

See the Source:
EPA – March 27, 2007

Find out:
More about low-temp selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology from CleanAIR Systems

Fresno: Clean and Green

The City of Fresno, CA has earned national recognition from the DOE and EPA for instituting progressive measures in making the city “clean and green”.

City Mayor, Alan Autry says, “There are external standards in place to ensure compliance. We have an internal set of goals that more beyond compliance toward commitment – commitment to clean air initiatives and a commitment to being environmental stewards.”

The City of Fresno now boasts one of the largest clean fleets in California’s Central Valley, containing a total of 362 clean-air vehicles including:
- 54 Compress Natural Gas Transit Buses
- 72 Liquid Natural Gas Refuse Trucks
- 46 Hybrid Cars and Pickups
- 131 Diesel Vehicles retrofitted with emissions control technology
- 1 Class 7 Liquid Natural Gas “Plug-in” Electric Hybrid Truck (first of its kind)

The Municipal Service Center, where much of the fleet is parked, utilizes solar power from the 4,557 solar panels installed on the roof. The solar system is expected to have a 30-year life span and substantially reduce pollutants that would have otherwise been emitted by traditional power sources. The solar panels also help out during peak power hours by producing an increase in energy and lessening the load on local power grids.

Fresno City Council President Henry T. Perea emphasized, "More and more cities across the nation are recognizing their role in protecting the environment. Fresno has demonstrated its leadership in this regard and is pushing a progressive agenda to utilize more and greener technologies. Our efforts over the last several years have placed Fresno on the map of environmental innovation, and we have just begun."

See the Source:
City of Fresno

Find out:
About emissions control technology to retrofit diesel engines

TV Truck Designers Partner With EPA to Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions

Keep on Truckin' While Cutting Fuel Costs, Protecting Environment

Washington, D.C. -- March 20, 2007 -- EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership and the "Chrome Shop Mafia" have teamed up to help truck drivers save on fuel costs and cut air pollution. The Mafia, a nationally recognized crew of truck designers and custom fabricators, restore and upgrade older big rigs on Country Music Television's "Trick My Truck" show.

"Partnering with this well-known group helps EPA reach out to truckers, assisting them with understanding the financial and environmental advantages of our SmartWay program," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation.

SmartWay's kits are combinations of EPA-endorsed fuel- and emissions-savings technologies that can improve truck fuel efficiency up to 15 percent, saving more than $8,000 in fuel costs annually. The environment also benefits: These products significantly decrease harmful diesel emissions and reduce exposure to contaminants that might adversely affect the health of drivers and the general public.

Both EPA's SmartWay program and 4 State Trucks, an equipment retail outlet and service center in Joplin, Mo., that serves as headquarters for the Mafia, will begin marketing SmartWay Upgrade Kits this Thursday through Saturday at the Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Next month, 4 State Trucks will begin selling and installing SmartWay Upgrade Kits will also showcase the products on its Web site. The kits cost between $8,500 and $25,000, depending on the technologies selected for installation. Individual components can be purchased and installed for as little as $800. Truckers may obtain financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration to pay for the upgrades.

The kit typically ends up saving truckers more money than it costs, even during a loan-repayment period. For example, an upgrade kit consisting of an auxiliary power unit, single-wide tires, and trailer aerodynamics could be purchased for about $16,500. With a five-year loan at 12 percent annual interest, the cost would be about $367 per month while producing an estimated $636 in monthly fuel savings. That represents a gain of $269 per month, or $16,140 over the five-year period.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an innovative program developed by EPA and freight-industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, and to promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.

See the Source:
EPA Smartway upgrade kits and financing

Florida School District to Receive Nation's First Plug-In Hybrid School Buses

On Friday, March 9th the Nation’s first plug-in hybrid school buses will be delivered to the Braden River High School in Bradenton Florida. The buses were developed by IC Corporation, the nation’s largest school bus manufacturer.

With up to 40% more fuel efficiency, the nation's first hybrid school bus launch is the first step in helping schools manage high fuel prices and transportation costs. The hybrid school bus also reduces diesel engine emissions by up to 90% for cleaner air. Manatee School District is taking delivery of the first units. Ten other states will receive hybrid school buses later this year.

See the Source:
IC Corporation

Diesel Fumes Pose Major Health Risk to Commuters

Washington, D.C. -- February 28, 2007 -- Diesel fumes pose a major health risk to commuters, according to a new report by the non-profit Clean Air Task Force.

The Boston-based environmental research group reported today that even though we spend only a tiny portion of our day commuting, it’s during the commute that we receive more than half our overall exposure to deadly fine particle pollution.

“Exposure to diesel exhaust during commutes poses a serious public health risk that needs to be addressed,” said George Thurston, Professor of Environmental Medicine at New York University’s School of Medicine, who wrote the foreword to the report.

Fine particle pollution, including diesel exhaust, can cause lung cancer, stroke, heart attack and infant death. It also triggers asthma attacks and makes people more likely to become allergic.

Some health researchers have estimated that such fine particles are responsible for shortening the lives of at least 70,000 Americans each year.

The Task Force specifically investigated diesel exhaust levels during commutes in New York NY, Boston MA, Austin TX and Columbus OH. The Task Force documented diesel particle levels four to eight times higher inside commuter cars, buses, and trains than in the ambient outdoor air in those cities. These are examples of likely results during a commute anywhere in the country where there is significant diesel traffic.

“Our investigation demonstrated that you may be exposed to high levels of diesel particles – four to eight times the levels in the outdoor air -- whether you commute by car, bus, ferry, train, or on foot,” said Bruce Hill, Senior Scientist with CATF.

By contrast, Hill noted, pollution levels were negligible for commuters in and near vehicles equipped with modern pollution controls or those that run on lower-polluting fuels such as natural gas.

“The problem is that there are 13 million diesel engines in service today, and virtually all are exempt from modern pollution controls,” said Conrad Schneider, Advocacy Director for the Task Force. “However, our study showed that simply replacing the muffler of trucks or buses with a diesel particle filter can reduce commuter exposure substantially,” he said. By EPA regulation, the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel that is necessary to keep these diesel particle filters operating optimally became available nationwide late last year.

The Task Force called on federal and state agencies to increase funding to clean up highly polluting buses and other existing diesel engines. It urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to require that long-haul trucks clean up when their engines are rebuilt. It also urged the EPA to move ahead with plans to set new pollution standards for diesel trains and diesel-powered boats, including commuter ferries.

The new report can be found online at www.catf.us/goto/noescape
For information about diesel risk in specific communities, go to: www.catf.us/projects/diesel/dieselhealth

Founded in 1996, the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) (www.catf.us) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring clean air and healthy environments through scientific research, public education, and legal advocacy. CATF’s staff includes scientists, engineers, economists, MBAs and lawyers. The organization works closely with more than 40 state, local, regional and national groups to educate the public, media, industry and public decision makers on the science and economics of clean air policies through fact-based and locally appropriate advocacy.

See the Source:
Clean Air Task Force

Find out:
About diesel particulate filters from CleanAIR Systems and how they can virtually eliminate particulate matter from exhaust when retrofitted on diesel engines.

EPA awards $94,876 grant to American Lung Association for Chicago Clean School Bus project

CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has awarded a $94,876 grant to the American Lung Association for a project to cut diesel emissions from school buses in the Chicago metropolitan area.

EPA said the grant will be used to retrofit 43 buses in school districts in Green Oaks, Mundelein, Grayslake and Ingleside with equipment that will reduce diesel emissions.

"Breathing diesel exhaust is not good for anyone, especially children with asthma," said Regional Administrator Mary A. Gade. "EPA is working with the American Lung Association to upgrade buses so students can breathe cleaner air and live healthier lives."

The grant is part of EPA's Clean School Bus USA program. The goal of the program is to reduce children's exposure to diesel exhaust and the amount of air pollution created by diesel school buses. School buses are the safest way for children to get to school. However, pollution from the diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, especially children.

Launched in April 2003, Clean School Bus USA brings together partners from business, education, transportation and public health organizations to eliminate unnecessary school bus idling, to retrofit buses and to replace the oldest buses with new, less polluting buses.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. Fine particles can also impact lung function and structure.

See the Source:
Clean School Bus USA

Find out:
How diesel emissions can be reduced using diesel oxidation catalysts

Los Angeles County Ports Issue RFP for Emissions-Reducing LNG Trucks

RFP Workshop Slated for February 20th at the Port of Los Angeles

SAN PEDRO, Calif.--(February 15)--The San Pedro Bay ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach -- the nation’s two leading containerports -- have issued a joint Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek qualified applicants for a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Truck Program. The effort is a component of the milestone San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan approved last November. An LNG-powered truck fleet could help the world’s fifth largest port complex reduce particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by 80 to 90 percent.

Financial incentives through this Program will fund up to a maximum of $144,000 per truck. The Program is open to fleets of any size, including independent operators.

Proposals will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2007, and an applicant workshop will be held February 20, 2007, at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, CA, 90731. Detailed information and proposal requirements are available on the Port’s website at www.portoflosangeles.org.

“Replacing the thousands of dirty diesel trucks that call at our ports on a daily basis is a major component of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan,” said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., executive director at the Port of Los Angeles. “Nearly 22,000 truck trips occur at the port complex in a single day, and the more we can do to make sure these are clean, non-polluting trucks, the better it is for all of us. No port in the world has committed to a project like this – and in Southern California, you have two ports sharing a commitment to significantly reduce port-related air pollution by implementing fleet programs which promote LNG, electric and clean diesel technologies.”

Under the LNG Truck Program, heavy-duty diesel trucks older than 1989 would be scrapped and replaced with a 2006 model year, or newer, heavy-duty LNG truck. The Ports have allocated a total of $8 million each to the project, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District has allocated $6 million, for a total of $22 million for the LNG Truck Program.

All vehicles funded under the LNG Truck Program are required to have electronic monitoring units with global positioning system capability installed prior to delivery of the vehicle, and verification must be provided to the Port of Los Angeles prior to releasing the vehicle. The minimum requirements to receive the maximum award under the Program include 48,000 annual miles with at least 75% of these miles occurring within the South Coast Air Quality Basin, and trucks must make at least seven trips to the Ports per week. Contract term will be a minimum of three years.

This RFP does not cover the costs for fuel, maintenance, infrastructure, or consultant services. Specifics on the gross vehicle weight rating, engine parameters, tilting, maintenance, insurance, electronic monitoring unit, warranty and vehicle scrapping are found in the RFP, which is available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/.

Under the LNG Truck Program RFP, applicants are required to secure their own fueling through construction of a fueling station on fleet property or through an agreement with an independent mobile fuel provider. A related RFP is currently being issued by the Ports seeking construction of a centralized LNG fueling and maintenance facility; however, this facility will not be in place before the operation of the LNG Truck Program begins. For more information on the San Pedro Bay Ports LNG Truck Program RFP, please contact Kevin Maggay at (310) 732-3947 or kmaggay@portla.org.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars. At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006. The Port of Los Angeles – A Cleaner Port. A Brighter Future.

See the Source:
The Port of Los Angeles

Find out:
More about reducing emissions on off- and on-road diesel vehicles using the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter

Excerpt from “Corning Outlines Growth Businesses”

Diesel Products

“We are expecting significant growth in our diesel products business in 2007, driven by our leadership position in the U.S. heavy-duty vehicle market and continued expansion into the light-duty business,” Thomas R. Hinman, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Diesel Technologies, will tell investors. “We believe we can grow our diesel products revenue by more than 60 percent this year and have the potential to realize $500 million to $600 million in revenue by 2010.”

Hinman will remind investors that new U.S. diesel engine standards that went into effect on January 1, 2007 require all heavy-duty engines to utilize a filter system solution that will greatly reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. “Global emissions regulations will continue to tighten and drive demand for our advanced diesel products solutions,” he will say.

“This is a milestone year as heavy duty represents the first significant growth opportunity for our diesel business," Hinman will point out. “We expect another wave of growth as the U.S., Europe and Japan implement more stringent emissions standards for light-duty and heavy-duty applications. Non-road vehicles represent a third revenue opportunity at the end of this decade. We believe Corning is well positioned to lead in all three areas,” he will tell investors.

“We expect the market opportunity could reach $900 million for each of the heavy-duty and light-duty diesel application segments by 2012. In looking at this on a projected product value basis, the global opportunity for heavy duty is expected to be approximately $340 per vehicle this year, and may reach as much as $475 per vehicle by 2012,” Hinman will add.

See the Source:

Corning

Find out:
How CleanAIR Systems uses Corning cordierite ceramic filters to reduce diesel emissions.

Court Ruling Protects Mine Workers against Diesel Pollution

PITTSBURGH--(February 12)--News From USW: An appeals court has ruled that standards set by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration for reducing diesel particulate pollution were reasonable in a case that the United Steelworkers joined to protect its mineworker members.

A three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected every argument against the pollution standards made by the National Mine Association, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and several mine operators.

“It’s a hands down victory for the safety of our members and thousands of other miners,” said Michael Wright, USW Director of Health, Safety and Environment. “This decision was a rebuff of the mining companies and the mining associations,” he added.

The regulations will limit miners’ exposure to the tiny particles in the diesel fuel emissions from trucks and heavy equipment that operate underground in metal mines, such as those for gold, and non-metal mines, such as those for limestone. The rules do not affect coal mines, which are subject to a different regulation. The USW represents more metal and non-metal miners in North America than any other union.

MSHA issued the standards because the tiny particles have been linked to lung cancer, respiratory problems and eye irritation.

The court decision, written by Judge David B. Sentelle, and joined by Chief Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg and Senior Judge Harry T. Edwards, affects 16,000 workers at 256 mines across the country. Before the regulations took effect on an interim basis, miners toiled in conditions that Wright said were “like working inside the tailpipe of a city bus.”
The mine operators and industry groups filed suit to prevent implementation of the regulations, contending MSHA did not have sufficient evidence that the tiny particles endangered workers’ health, that MSHA shouldn’t have used a substitute substance to measure the particles and that it simply was infeasible for mines to meet the MSHA limit deadlines.

The USW filed a brief seeking enforcement of the regulations, which put the union in the unusual position of supporting a Bush Administration agency, Wright noted.
The court found that all of the mine industry arguments were without merit, which means the regulations will take effect over the next 15 months.

MSHA proposed the first set of rules on Jan. 19, 2001 after conducting a risk assessment that determined miners were exposed to very high levels of diesel particles that jeopardized their health.

Because diesel exhaust contains many different substances, MSHA based its limitation on a measure of carbon. The court said that was reasonable because carbon accounts for the bulk of the tiny particles.

The first set of regulations limited carbon concentrations and were to take full effect by January of 2006. MSHA offered numerous suggestions to mine operators for curtailing the particles, including exhaust filters, improved ventilation systems, low-emission engines and low sulfur fuels.

MSHA changed the rules several times over the next five years, trying to appease industry representatives who were unhappy with the carbon measure. Finally, in May 2006, MSHA proposed that mines reduce carbon exposure over time until a final standard was met in May 2008. In addition, MSHA gave companies a break, saying they could get an extra year to comply. And, it said, if mines found it impossible to limit particulates, they could give workers respirators.

Despite all of that, mining companies and industry groups then filed suit calling the rules capricious. The court disagreed.

It said that although the carbon measure wasn’t perfect, it didn’t need to be. It was only necessary that it be realistic, and it was. It said the science MSHA used to determine that the particulates were dangerous was sound. And it said the mine operators’ contention that they just couldn’t comply on time was unreasonable because MSHA had offered the extra year as well as the respirator solution.

Mine operators also objected to MSHA requiring them to give physicals to workers to see if they could tolerate respirators, which sometimes cause excessive stress. And they complained that MSHA required them to transfer workers when a doctor determined a respirator would be hazardous to their health.

As with everything else, however, the court ruled against the operators.
The industry may seek another hearing of the case before the same panel or could ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case.

See the Source:
MSHA

Find out:
How CleanAIR’s diesel particulate filters help keep miners safe by reducing particulate matter by greater than 85% and MSHA’s test results for the CleanAIR PERMIT FBC Filter in mines.

Railroad Industry's First Exhaust Catalyst Being Tested in Los Angeles

Omaha, Neb., January 17, 2007 – Union Pacific is beginning a year-long field test in the Los Angeles area of the rail industry’s first long-haul diesel electric locomotive modified with "after market" experimental technology aimed at reducing exhaust emissions.

"The testing and evaluation of this experimental exhaust technology emphasizes Union Pacific’s voluntary efforts to go beyond compliance in exploring new technologies that could reduce emissions," said Bob Grimaila, Union Pacific's vice president-environment and safety. "We have and will continue to work hard to build the most environmentally friendly locomotive fleet in North America and we are committed to protecting our environment by reducing emissions."

An experimental "oxidation catalyst" filtering canister, or "oxicat," was installed inside the diesel engine’s exhaust manifold. The special catalytic material chemically reduces the amount of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter generated by the diesel engine, much like a catalytic converter on today’s cars and trucks.

The diesel engine has been outfitted with various sensors that can be remotely monitored with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. Remote "real-time" monitoring capabilities help researchers evaluate how the experimental oxidation catalyst is functioning. Its emissions performance and the maintenance requirements for the locomotive will be assessed at the end of the one-year test period.

The National Vehicle Fuels and Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is funding most of the "oxidation catalyst" test.

The locomotive was subjected to EPA locomotive standards testing before and after the "oxidation catalyst" was installed, using standard EPA "locomotive certification" fuel and "ultra-low sulfur diesel" (ULSD) fuel that UP is now using for intrastate locomotives in California.

The standing, or static, test results were:
- Using ULSD fuel without the oxidation catalyst installed dropped particulate emissions by about 4 percent compared to the use of standard EPA diesel fuel.
- Using ULSD fuel with the oxidation catalyst installed reduced particulate emissions by approximately 50 percent, unburned hydrocarbons by 38 percent and carbon monoxide by 82 percent.

During this initial testing, the 17-year-old locomotive met the latest EPA "Tier 2" new locomotive requirements for particulate matter. The EPA’s Tier 2 requirements are for new locomotives manufactured since January 1, 2005.

Union Pacific has also begun a year-long field test in Oakland of the North America rail industry’s first experimental after-market exhaust system filter to determine if it will reduce diesel engine emissions in older locomotives used in rail yards.

Union Pacific’s "Green" Fleet
Currently, about 50 percent of Union Pacific’s more than 8,500-unit locomotive fleet is certified under existing EPA Tier 0, Tier 1 or Tier 2 regulations governing air emissions. That gives Union Pacific the most environmentally friendly locomotive fleet in the nation.

Union Pacific has tested, and is acquiring, two types of environmentally friendly low-horsepower rail yard locomotives:
- The Genset locomotive is powered by three 700-horsepower low-emissions EPA non-road Tier 3-certified diesel engines projected to reduce emissions of both nitrous oxides and particulate matter by up to 80 percent, while using as much as 16 percent less fuel compared to current low-horsepower locomotives.

- The Green Goat uses state-of-the-art diesel-battery hybrid-technology designed to cut air emissions by 80 percent and reduce diesel fuel use by 16 percent compared to conventional diesel-powered locomotives used in switching service. The hybrid switcher is powered with large banks of batteries. When energy stored in the batteries is depleted to a pre-set level, a small, low-emission diesel engine automatically starts to power a generator that recharges the batteries.

It is anticipated that these switching locomotives will receive California Air Resources Board (CARB) recognition as Ultra-Low Emitting Locomotives (ULEL), in addition to exceeding the EPA’s stringent Locomotive Tier 2 standards. These ULELs are a direct result of Union Pacific’s efforts to encourage development of ever-cleaner technology by its locomotive suppliers. The ultra-low emissions of these locomotives will help Union Pacific meet its commitment to CARB to reduce its fleet average nitrous oxide emissions inside the South Coast Nonattainment Area by 2010.

CARB Memorandum of Understanding
In addition to the emission reductions that the Tier 0, 1 and 2, Genset and Green Goat locomotives will achieve, a June 30, 2005, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among CARB, Union Pacific and BNSF Railway will further reduce diesel emissions in and around the state’s rail yards. The important agreement calls for reductions that will be greater and quicker than any that could have resulted from regulatory processes.

This was the second significant agreement of this type. The first one was signed in 1998 and covered nitrous oxide emissions (NOx) from locomotives. Under the first agreement, NOx levels from locomotives will be reduced by 67 percent in the South Coast Nonattainment Area. The June 2005 agreement represents the next logical step in the process and will reduce particulate matter emissions statewide.

CARB has estimated the MOU will reduce particulate emissions by approximately 20 percent at rail yards by June 2008 when all the program’s elements are phased in. Union Pacific expects to spend more than $20 million implementing the program.

About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.

The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.

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Union Pacific

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More about diesel oxidation catalysts and how they reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate.

ARB announces 2007 State Implementation Plan for Ozone

Sacramento - The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced its new state strategy to attain the new federal one hour air quality standard for ozone.

"The State Implementation Plan (SIP) is the blueprint for how the state will meet the federal one hour ozone standard. The plan assures attainment of clean air standards as quickly as possible through technically feasible and cost-effective measures," said Catherine Witherspoon, ARB Executive Officer.

The strategy announced today will reduce ozone-forming emissions in the South Coast Air Basin (the greater Los Angeles region) and the San Joaquin Valley by as much as one half between now and 2024. The state strategy combined with local measures proposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Quality Management District make up the 2007 plan for attaining the federal one hour ozone standard. The ozone plan is due to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) by June 15, 2007.

The state's plan for the South Coast Air Basin (the greater Los Angeles area) will reduce photochemical ozone-forming emissions by 212 tons per day (tpd) in 2024. The proposed strategy builds on existing ARB programs that will reduce smog forming emissions in the South Coast by 670 tpd in 2024. The South Coast Air Quality Management District is expected to adopt regional measures that will cut another 32 tpd of ozone-forming emissions.

The San Joaquin Valley plan calls for new measures that will reduce ozone-forming emissions by 68 tons per day in 2024. Existing State programs will eliminate 473 tpd by 2024. The Valley's air quality agency is proposing its own measures that will cut an additional 54 tpd in that time period. The plan projects attainment for all other areas of the state of the federal standard by 2020.

The state strategy will also reduce emissions that form fine particulates (PM-2.5) by approximately 40 percent in the SCAQMD by 2015. However, the nature of particulate pollution is technically complex. The ARB proposes to use the remainder of 2007 to refine the science and revisit the particulate strategies for those regions. The federal PM 2.5 plan is due to USEPA in April 2008.

Mobile source measures are the heart of the ARB strategy with modernization of California's diesel fleets an essential near-term goal. The measures make up 90 percent of the reductions identified in the SIP. "The legacy fleet of older, higher polluting trucks, buses, locomotives and off-road equipment will continue to slow our progress toward cleaner air and currently is our biggest hurdle. Natural turnover is slow for engines designed to last for decades. Therefore, the state strategy is to focus on programs that will clean up or replace those engines through a comprehensive package of regulations, incentives and efforts by the goods movement industries as quickly as possible," Witherspoon added.

The SIP is a comprehensive strategy designed to attain federal air quality standards as quickly as possible through a combination of technologically feasible and cost-effective measures. It outlines ARB staff's assessment of how far adopted regulations will take us towards attainment of federal standards, what new actions can be taken, and what are the earliest feasible timeframes for meeting those standards.

The Air Resources Board is a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency. ARB's mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering effects on the economy. The ARB oversees all air pollution control efforts in California to attain and maintain health based air quality standards.

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California Air Resource Board

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How to reduce fine particulate emissions from diesel engines using the CleanAIR PERMIT Filter

EPA Kicks Off Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Program

CHICAGO, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 hosted the first meeting of its Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group today in Chicago. The group of 32 public-sector and private- industry organizations shares the goal of cutting emissions from one million diesel engines in the region by 2010.

The Leadership Group is co-chaired by Cummins Inc., Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Environmental Council and EPA Region 5.

"EPA helped form the Leadership Group to accelerate efforts toward cleaner air," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Mary A. Gade. "Cleaning up diesel emissions in this country will take a concerted, collaborative effort of public and private organizations, and this group will bring greater visibility, energy and resources to this effort."

"From schoolchildren to truck drivers, millions of Americans are exposed everyday to dangerous emissions from America's aging fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and heavy equipment," said Staci R. Putney McLennan, director of clean air programs at the Ohio Environmental Council. "The good news is that cost-effective pollution-control technologies are available. We look forward to collaborating with industry and government representatives to tackle this important challenge."

"We look forward to sharing the strategies and approaches we have used in Illinois with our colleagues from other Midwestern states," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "We are also interested in learning about strategies others have found effective, as well as how we all can maximize the clean air benefits from the ongoing technological advances."

"This initiative is about fostering a collaborative environment where we all work together for cleaner communities," said Brian Mormino, director of government relations for Cummins Inc. "Cummins is pleased to step forward with our public and private partners to lead this effort. We have made a significant investment to meet EPA's emissions standards for new engines and know that we can accomplish much more by leveraging our relationships to address those already in operation today."

EPA created the Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative to reduce emissions from older, existing diesel engines not covered by EPA's stringent standards for cleaner fuels and new, cleaner engines. MCDI estimates that more than 3 million diesel engines in the Midwest would benefit from the use of cleaner fuels and idle-reduction and diesel-retrofit technologies and strategies. These include rebuilding, re-powering, replacing, refueling and retrofitting these engines with emission control devices. Already, the public-private partnership has undertaken more than $30 million in projects, affecting 350,000 engines, and reducing air pollution by more than 3.5 million pounds per year.

Diesel emissions contain large amounts of nitrogen oxides and fine particles (soot). Nitrogen oxides are precursors of ozone (smog), which is a lung irritant, and fine particles can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases. EPA has found that fine particles from diesel engines are a leading public health risk in the Midwest.

Quotes from the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group

“New clean diesel technology completely changes the way people view diesel. The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative is taking the lead to increase the adoption of clean diesel technologies to dramatically reduce emissions by 90 percent in older trucks and buses.”
Patrick Charbonneau, Vice President of Government Relations International Truck and Engine Corporation

“We are pleased and honored to be a part of this group and share its focus on partnership and real, measurable environmental and health outcomes for the region. This kind of recognition and support by EPA is especially critical for Minnesota proactively to stay ahead of air quality problems and to comply with all federal air quality standards. We applaud EPA's foresight and dedication in launching this comprehensive effort to address a major regional air quality problem like diesel emissions.”
Bill Droessler, Clean Air Minnesota Director Minnesota Environmental Initiative

“As the crossroads of America, Indiana has a significant interest in improving air quality while facilitating the increased movement of goods necessary for our growing economy. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is honored to be part of the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The initiative is an excellent example of a public/private partnership to harness the power of the marketplace to improve both the economy and the environment in Indiana and the entire Midwest.”
Thomas Easterly, Commissioner Indiana Department of Environmental Management

“Our partners are making a difference in the Midwest in improving the quality of life by reducing air pollution.”
Carl Lisek, South Shore Clean Cities Inc.

“The diesel industry is proud to be an active participant in the Midwest Clean Diesel Leadership Group. The diversity of supporters stepping forward to join together for this program speaks volumes about the universal agreement that cleaner diesel means cleaner air for all of us, and the industry is committed to doing its part. Opportunities for upgrading the existing diesel fleet are now greater than ever, and diesel retrofit programs have proven time and again to be one of the most cost-effective ways we can reduce diesel emissions, help improve air quality and promote environmental progress.”
Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director Diesel Technology Forum

“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recognizes the importance of cleaning up diesel emissions and working in partnership with businesses and stakeholders to voluntarily reduce diesel emissions with a number of actions. As a state focused on maintaining attainment of air quality standards, strategic partnerships are the focus for gaining air quality improvement. For example, as a major partner along with several businesses and stakeholder groups, the MPCA helped establish, promote and support Clean Air Minnesota's Project Green Fleet which will retrofit 500 diesel school buses, reducing harmful particulates 30 percent by the end of 2007.”
David Thornton, Assistant Commissioner for Air Policy Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

“Continuing to release harmful diesel particulate matter into the air when available, cost-effective technologies can nearly eliminate this environmental health problem is unacceptable. The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to join the Midwest Clean Diesel Group in its efforts to quickly reduce soot pollution in order to protect the most vulnerable populations: children with developing lungs, the elderly and those suffering from pulmonary diseases.”
Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago

“The American Lung Association supports the advancement and promotion of cleaner traditional and alternative fuels because the reduction in toxic petroleum components is good for lung health and the environment.”
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest

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EPA – Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative

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How soot and fine particulate matter can be substantially reduced with CleanAIR diesel particulate filters.

From the MASSPIRG 2007 Legislative Agenda

Cleaning up Diesel Pollution

Each year diesel pollution in Massachusetts is responsible for more than 450 premature deaths, 700 non-fatal heart attacks, 9,900 asthma attacks, and 60,000 work loss days. Pollution control equipment and cleaner fuels can reduce deadly fine particle pollution by up to 90%. Massachusetts should establish aggressive programs to dramatically reduce pollution from existing diesel engines.

MASSPIRG:
• Supports An Act to Reduce Diesel Pollution (Sen. Hart, Rep. Rivera) legislation to achieve a reduction in diesel particulate matter pollution of 75% in key fleets by 2010, and 75% overall by 2020, (in conjunction with the new federal diesel engine rules,) in order to protect public health, prevent global warming pollution, and reduce serious economic and environmental threats .

About MASSPIRG Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) is an advocate for the public interest. MASSPIRG’s mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented activism that protects the environment, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government.

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MASSPIRG

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How CleanAIR diesel particulate filters reduce fine particle pollution by over 85% from diesel emissions.

The CleanAIR PERMIT™ Filter Verified for Prime Power Generators

Santa Fe, NM – November 20, 2006 – CleanAIR Systems, Inc. has received verification for prime power generators by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) for their PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter as a Level 3 diesel emission control device. According to an Executive Order dated November 6th, ARB verifies that the PERMIT™ Filter reduces emissions of diesel particulate matter by 85 percent or greater for use in stationary prime generators with particulate matter (PM) levels of up to 0.2 g/bhp-hr.

Prime power stationary generators are designated as power sources operating as a principal source of power and are usually in continuous operation for long periods of time. These include generators used in remote areas as a primary power source, as well as those used for self-generation by corporations, schools or hospitals producing their own power.

The ARB also extended verification of CleanAIR Systems’ PERMIT™ filter until 2009 for use on stationary emergency generators to include all applications tested or certified to particulate matter (PM) levels of up to 0.2 g/bhp-hr. Emergency generators operate usually less than one hundred hours per year and are used as supplemental or back-up power generation in case of power loss.

For complete verification information on the PERMIT™ diesel particulate filter and engine operating criteria, the Executive Orders and Attachments can be found on the ARB website at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/vt/stationary.htm.

Established in 1993, CleanAIR Systems, Inc. located in Santa Fe, NM, is a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as stationary machinery and power generation. For contact information, visit www.cleanairsys.com.