American Lung Association "State of the Air 2014" Report Recognizes Contributions of Clean Diesel to Improving Air Quality

Clean Diesel Engines Helping Drive Clean Air Progress

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Diesel Technology Forum

Apr 30, 2014, 02:01 ET

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today regarding the release of the "State of the Air 2014" report by the American Lung Association (ALA).

Today's report by the American Lung Association finds that nearly half of all Americans live in counties in the U.S. where ozone or particulate emission levels are meeting EPA clean air standards.   ALA singles out cleaner diesel fleets as one of two main contributors to that success for particulate emissions.  Cleaner power plants were also identified as a key contributor.  

"We're pleased that the American Lung Association recognizes clean diesel technology as one of the key reasons for the air quality improvements," said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.  "Engine and equipment makers together with fuel refiners and emissions control technology companies made significant investments to produce this new generation of clean diesel technology with near zero levels of emissions.   It is rewarding to see the benefits of this work reflected in the quality of our environment.

"The diesel industry is building on these accomplishments and now increasingly focused on producing near zero emissions technology that also is more efficient and has lower greenhouse gas emissions as well."

To learn more about the ALA "State of the Air 2014" report go to http://www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact/top-stories/state-of-the-air-2014-top-story.html

New Clean Diesel Engines Reduce NOx & PM by Over 95%
Schaeffer said since 2007, the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel has enabled significant strides in diesel engine technology that today result in near zero particulate emissions.  For example:

  • It would take more than 60 of 2014 model year tractor-trailer clean diesel trucks to equal the particulate emissions of one 1988 model diesel truck.  
  • In California, researchers at University of California-Riverside found that twice as many particulate emissions now come from charbroiling hamburgers than come from on-road diesel vehicles.
  • In Southern California this year more particulate emissions come from brake dust and tire wear than from diesel trucks.

"This clean diesel technology is now found in fuel efficient passenger cars to the full range of commercial trucks and buses and most recently to construction equipment and engines used for power generation and other industrial activities," Schaeffer said.  "The new diesel trucks, cars, buses and off-road engines have reduced particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 95 percent in the past two decades."

As of 2012, nearly one-third of all commercial trucks on the road in the U.S. were 2007 or newer generation technology, which delivers the near zero particulate emissions benefits.  Nearly 12 percent are also near zero emissions for nitrogen oxides - a key precursor to ozone formation.

The 2014 generation of clean diesel technology also uses three to five percent less fuel and generates fewer emissions of greenhouse gases.

Modernizing & Upgrading Older Diesel Engines Can Reduce Emissions 25% to 85%
"As the ALA report notes, there is more work to be done," Schaeffer said.  "The progress in new engine and equipment technology is remarkable, and the rapid adoption of these new engines and equipment will deliver the greatest clean air and greenhouse gas emission benefits.  Manufacturers have also developed and adapted clean diesel technologies to significantly reduce particulate emissions in older diesel engines that continue to be in service.   More than 40 approved retrofit devices are now on the market which can be installed on qualifying vehicles and equipment to reduce in-use emissions by 25 to 85 percent.

"The need for Congress to fund one of the Environmental Protection Agency's most successful clean air programs – the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) – was one of the important recommendations made by the ALA in its "State of the Air 2014" report.

"Having Congress fund DERA is a proven way to improve air quality in all regions of the United States.  Unfortunately, the President's budget included no funding for DERA in the coming year.  Congress can, and should, correct this by including funding for one of the most important and successful clean air programs.  In nearly all cases, the emission reductions and clean air benefits are immediate as soon as the upgrades are made."

DERA Has Delivered a $13:1 Return on Investment in Health & Environmental Benefits
"DERA has a proven track record of reducing emissions and improving air quality in all 50 states," Schaeffer said.  "Unlike other Administration funding programs such as the now defunct alternative energy programs, DERA delivers a $13:1 return on investment, according to EPA.  Often the return is even higher when considering matching funds at a rate of 2-or-3 to 1 that further enhance the investments. 

"DERA's effectiveness has never been questioned.  We are hopeful that the bipartisan support DERA has received in both the U.S. Senate and House will initiate action in Congress to save the program."

To learn more about modernizing diesel equipment go to http://www.dieselforum.org/retrofit

Schaeffer said the Diesel Technology Forum has worked with the ALA and numerous other health, environmental, industry and government organizations in support of DERA and the modernizing and upgrading of older diesel engines for the past several years.

The Administration's 2015 budget proposal would reduce DERA funding from the $20 million contained in the Continuing Resolution in FY 2014 to zero in 2015.  The landmark DERA grant program was originally authorized as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to fund upgrades and modernize the oldest, higher-emitting diesel engines, complementing the stringent emissions standards EPA set for new diesel engines beginning in 2007.  The program has evolved to also include deployment of many fuel-saving technologies as well.  

How Clean Diesel Technology Is Helping To Improve Air Quality
Schaeffer said new clean diesel technology and fuel has resulted in:

Connect with DTF
How do you keep up with the news on clean diesel?  You can be a fan of DTF's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter @DieselTechForum, or subscribe to our YouTube channel @DieselTechForum.  You can also subscribe to Diesel Direct, a monthly publication featuring the latest clean diesel news and activities of the Diesel Technology Forum by emailing [email protected].

ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
Allen Schaeffer
ProfNet - http://www.profnetconnect.com/Schaeffer

Contact:
Steve Hansen
[email protected]
301-668-7230 (o)
202-355-3664 (c)

(View this press release online here.)

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SOURCE Diesel Technology Forum

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