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New Generation of Clean Diesel Fuel Gets Expanded Availability Nationwide Starting Today


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WASHINGTON--Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement commenting on today's deadline related to the transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) for off-road uses.

"Today is another milestone for clean diesel and clean air, as our nation's farm tractors and construction machines will now have access to cleaner ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel," said Schaeffer. Two-thirds of all farm and construction equipment rely on diesel engines due to their unique combination of power, fuel efficiency, economical ownership and operation and legendary reliability and durability."

This new fuel will contain 97 percent less sulfur than previous diesel fuel and will be available at retail facilities nationwide starting today, June 1, 2010. Construction and agricultural equipment manufacturers are well on their way to launching a new generation of low-emission clean diesel engines that will require this cleaner fuel.

Since 2006, ULSD has been available nationwide and is a key part of the new generation of clean diesel commercial heavy-duty trucks and clean diesel cars. As of June 1, all highway diesel fuel supplied in the U.S. must be ULSD, and at least 80 percent of the diesel fuel refined in the United States for use by off-road vehicles must be ULSD fuel, containing only 15 parts per million sulfur content.

The advanced clean diesel system; combining cleaner fuel, state-of-the-art engines and effective exhaust-control technology; will play a leading role in helping cities and states meet strict new air quality goals set by the federal government. The benefits of the new cleaner fuel are significant:

  • Construction Machines and Farm Equipment; Known as Tier IV emissions levels, reductions in both particulates (98 percent) and nitrogen oxides (98 percent) will be phased in for off-road construction and agricultural equipment starting in 2011.
  • The Existing Fleet; All existing engines can use the new ULSD fuel which will reduce emissions of particulates by about 10 percent. Its widespread availability will help expand opportunities for these clean diesel retrofits for off-road uses.

The clean diesel success story is shared with the numerous air quality organizations, public health advocates, environmental groups and representatives from all levels of government that have worked towards cleaner air and improved public health. The Diesel Technology Forum is proud to be a partner in the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance (www.clean-diesel.org), which provides a resource on technical issues regarding the introduction of the cleaner fuel.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clean diesel technologies. Forum members include engine and vehicle manufacturers, diesel fuel refiners, and manufacturers of emissions control devices. For more information about the Forum, visit our web site at www.dieselforum.org.