Diesel Technology Forum Offers to Assist California's New Clean Air Plan
29 September 2000
Diesel Technology Forum Offers to Assist California Implement New Clean Air Plan for DieselSACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 28 The Diesel Technology Forum today offered to assist the California Air Resources Board (CARB) with implementation of its clean diesel engine management plan. "The clean diesel retrofit plan, expected to be adopted today, recognizes the enormous importance of diesel to the California economy and takes advantage of the inherent environmental benefits of modern, clean diesel technology. It sets forth a new and viable future for diesel power in California," said David Bartlett, spokesman for the Forum. There are many details on technical and economic feasibility still to be worked out, but the Forum is optimistic that CARB and key stakeholders will reach a consensus on a balanced plan that recognizes the vital role of diesel power in California. Nation-wide, diesel power moves 94 percent of all freight; provides two-thirds of the energy to run the machinery on America's farms; and powers the majority of the heavy equipment that constructs and repairs our roads, bridges, and factories. Diesel provides the power for today's growing "information economy" from the installation of fiber optic networks, and back-up power to the telecommunications industry to the ultimate delivery of e-commerce through the nation's freight network. New highway diesel engines powered with today's fuels emit less than one-eighth the emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates compared to engines built just a dozen years ago. Forum members stand ready to help CARB and the diesel users implement a balanced plan. The Diesel Technology Forum is also pleased to have been invited to serve on CARB's retrofit advisory committee, and will provide technical, engineering and program support that encourages the deployment of the latest clean diesel technology as well as the retrofit of the existing diesel fleet.