JAMESTOWN, NY — New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant yesterday to celebrate production of the plant’s 750,000th engine and recognize Cummins as a leader in meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for diesel engines.
Sen. Clinton played a key role in passing legislation that will help the Jamestown Engine Plant continue to grow, while ensuring that the environment benefits from the increasing emphasis on cleaner diesel engines. The legislation – part of the highway funding bill – provides funds to replace or retrofit diesel engines or diesel-powered equipment so they comply with current clean air standards. The EPA predicts that as a result of the legislation, numerous vehicles and construction equipment will be eligible to be replaced, rebuilt or retrofitted with some of the new diesel engines expected to be built at Jamestown.
“We are delighted that Sen. Clinton could be here today to help us celebrate the success of the Jamestown Engine Plant,” said Joe Loughrey, Cummins president and chief operating officer. “She has been a key supporter of our efforts to grow our business while maintaining our commitment to the environment.”
Sen. Clinton also has been instrumental in passing legislation that provides for an expanded EPA-run replacement and retrofit program for school buses. In addition, she has supported a bill that authorizes the spending of a billion dollars over five years for grant and loan programs to reduce diesel emissions on old existing products.
The Senator has joined Cummins and other engine manufacturers in working to block efforts in Congress to alter or delay new diesel fuel standards which are set to take effect in 2006. Engine manufacturers have invested heavily in technology that relies on the lower-sulfur fuel to meet 2007 emissions regulations.
“I am proud to have worked to pass strong, bipartisan legislation to fund clean diesel technologies,” said Sen. Clinton. “The legislation provides access to billions of dollars to retrofit, repower and replace diesel engines. It will reduce pollution, and create manufacturing jobs at clean diesel technology leaders like Cummins.”
During her visit, Sen. Clinton toured the plant with Loughrey and plant manager Dana Vogt to see how employees build heavy-duty diesel truck engines on the automated assembly line. More than 400 engines are manufactured at the plant every day.
Sen. Clinton addressed a large portion of the plant’s employees, who are celebrating the building of the 750,000th engine.
“The entire team at Jamestown has a lot to be proud of and we’re excited that Sen. Clinton took the time to join us in recognizing this important milestone,” Vogt said.
The Jamestown Engine Plant, one of Cummins largest manufacturing facilities, is located in Jamestown, NY, manufactures heavy duty engines (ISM 11 liters and ISX 15 liters), and machine components. The plant, recognized as the 2004 Business of the Year – Chautauqua County, is a local leader in community improvement and outreach.
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