The Engine Manufacturers Association last week endorsed passage of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005, a bill introduced in the United States Senate by Senator George Voinovich of Ohio and a bipartisan group of co-sponsors. The bill will provide up to $200 million per year to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations across the country to reduce emissions from older diesel trucks, buses, and off-road equipment currently in use. The end result will be major reductions in diesel emissions and additional progress in achieving national ambient air quality standards.

In announcing support for the legislation, Jed Mandel, EMA president, indicated that manufacturers will introduce new engine systems with near-zero emission levels beginning in 2007.

"Engine manufacturers are currently investing billions of dollars in technology to make new engines for on-road vehicles and off-road equipment over 90-percent cleaner than today's engines and to make highly energy-efficient, low-emitting diesel technology a reality,” said Mandel. “New diesel vehicles and equipment will be very clean, and if additional emission reductions are needed from the transportation sector, the nation must focus on reducing emissions from existing trucks, buses, and equipment that were put into service before the latest technology and clean fuels were available. The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act is exactly what we need — a significant source of federal money that can be used to retrofit the oldest and highest emitting diesels.

"We can achieve significant and cost-effective emission reductions by establishing voluntary programs to retrofit existing vehicles and equipment with after-treatment devices or replacing existing engines with new, clean diesel technology. These programs benefit everyone by reducing emissions. Congress can best assist states, local governments, and the public by appropriating funds to alleviate the significant costs needed to complete these efforts."

The Engine Manufacturers Association is a trade association representing worldwide manufacturers of internal combustion engines used in applications such as trucks and buses, farm and construction equipment, locomotives, marine vessels, and lawn, garden and utility equipment. EMA works with government and industry stakeholders to help the nation achieve its goals of cleaner fuels, more efficient engines and cleaner air.