A new study released today by the Coordinating Research Council in cooperation with the Health Effects Institute highlights the robust emissions performance of the new generation of clean diesel technology manufactured starting in 2007. The study found a more than 90 percent reduction in most emissions as compared to previous 2004 models, and the reductions "exceeded substantially even those levels required by law."
'These findings underscore just how clean this new generation of fuels, engines and emissions control technology really is" said Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a Frederick MD-based organization representing the diesel industry.
'Ultimately these findings translate into even greater clean air benefits for local communities than were previously expected. More than 360,000 of these heavy-duty trucks and buses were sold in 2007 and 2008. Not only are these vehicles very low in emissions, but also they must meet these near-zero clean air standards for almost 4 times as long (435,000 miles) as passenger cars. Today's diesel trucks and buses are so clean it would take 60 of today's models to have the same soot emissions as one 1988 model'' said Schaeffer.
While this study is limited to highway diesel engines like those used in commercial trucks and buses, virtually the same requirements (cleaner diesel fuel and progressively lower emissions standards) are being phased in for all non-road engines and equipment used in construction, agriculture, mining and other industries as well |