CHICAGO -- The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) yesterday endorsed passage of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2005, a bill introduced in the United States Senate by Senator George Voinovich (R-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.

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. 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," said Mandel.

"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." Mandel further stated "We applaud Senator Voinovich and his partners for their foresight in identifying an opportunity and taking action to implement a viable and workable solution."

EMA plans to work with its members to support the passage of the legislation as it works its way through Congress. "Here's a bill that everyone can support - vehicle and equipment owners, state and local governments, and the environmental community. Voluntary programs to retrofit or replace older diesel engines with new technology can be a very cost-effective way to obtain large-scale national emission reductions. Voluntary, federally funded programs also offer flexibility to focus efforts where they are needed the most. With clean, ultra-low-sulfur fuel and after-treatment technology available for many applications, the main roadblock to actually achieving significant emissions reductions from the existing fleet has been limited funding, and the Voinovich legislation helps solve that problem," Mandel said.

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.