EPA issues final rule on diesel emissions

The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule requiring diesel truck and bus engines to emit 40% less air pollution beginning in 2004. The rule is the first phase of a strategy to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Aug. 1, 2000

Washington, DC�The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule requiring diesel truck and bus engines to emit 40% less air pollution beginning in 2004.

The rule is the first phase of a strategy to reduce emissions from heavy-duty trucks and buses. EPA said by yearend it will issue a second rule requiring low-sulfur diesel fuel and more engine improvements, which together would reduce air pollution from trucks and buses by another 90% in 2007.

EPA said, when both of the rules are in effect, heavy-duty trucks and buses will be nearly as clean as alternative-fuel vehicles such as those that burn compressed natural gas.

It said heavy-duty trucks with gasoline-burning engines also must meet tougher standards in both phases of the strategy.

Heavy-duty trucks and buses emit exhaust containing soot and smog-forming pollution. EPA claims soot and smog cause 15,000 premature deaths, 1 million respiratory problems, and 400,000 asthma attacks each year.

The engine emissions rule will be published soon in the Federal Register.