EPA Administrator to Address Clean Diesel's Role in Meeting Future Energy and Environmental Goals

2007 Prototype Technology on Display for the First Time; Leavitt, Leading Manufacturers Available to Discuss Diesel's Progress and Potential

WASHINGTON, May 10 -- On the same day the Environmental Protection Agency finalizes significant new emissions standards for diesel- powered construction, mining and farm equipment, Administrator Mike Leavitt will inspect the future of clean diesel in Washington. With advanced technology as a backdrop -- including prototype tractor-trailer trucks compliant with strict 2007 emissions standards, advanced idle reduction technology, a hybrid diesel-electric bus, a state-of-the-art delivery van and a pickup prototype -- Governor Leavitt will make remarks regarding the Bush Administration's policy on clean diesel and answer questions on the agency's new Nonroad Diesel Rule.

  WHY:    Beginning in 2007, diesel trucks and buses will be virtually
          emissions-free and will play a leading role in helping cities meet
          strict new air quality standards recently unveiled by EPA.  Thanks
          to unprecedented investment in the research and development of
          advanced emissions technologies, the diesel industry is on track
          to meet these aggressive new standards that require a 99%
          emissions reduction compared to unregulated levels.  With EPA's
          announcement of a final nonroad diesel rule, similar levels of
          improvement are now scheduled for off-road equipment.  Don't miss
          the opportunity to:

          * Subject two prototype clean diesel trucks to real-time emissions
            testing and see for yourself how they emit no visible smoke

          * Drive the latest advanced clean diesel cars

          * See a popular pickup with a prototype diesel engine

          * Watch while a truck plugs in and shuts down to save energy

  WHEN:   TOMORROW -- Tuesday, May 11th at 1:30 pm

  WHERE:  In front of the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
          480 L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20024

  ABOUT:  The display is jointly sponsored by the 21st Century Truck
          Partnership and the Diesel Technology Forum.  The 21st Century
          Truck Partnership is a cooperative effort between industry and
          government.  The Partnership works to identify and develop
          technologies that meet the goals of improving engine efficiency,
          reducing emissions, and improving the safety of trucks and buses.

          The Diesel Technology Forum represents companies that manufacture
          the three components of modern clean diesel systems -- advanced
          engines, cleaner burning fuels, and effective emissions control
          devices.  For more information about the Forum, visit
          www.dieselforum.org.